GRASS roots groups thatstruggle to raise funds for community projects are being thrown a cash lifeline.

Yorventure, the environmental body that distributes the landfill tax funds of Northallerton waste management company Yorwaste, has announced a small projects fund.

It will have a pot of money for projects costing less than £5,000, often those for which it is hardest to obtain formal grants. A total of £30,000 will be available during the next landfill tax year.

The major requirement is that the projects have a direct impact on improving the environment for communities near any of the seven Yorwaste landfill sites in North Yorkshire including West Tanfield, Scorton, Mickleby, near Whitby, and Caulklands, near Pickering.

Applicants must also be prepared to contribute match funding or the equivalent in materials or volunteer time, and all projects must be capable of being completed by June next year.

Since its launch in 1997, Yorventure has funded dozens such projects including new or improved play areas, local conservation work such as tree and shrub planting and improvements to village halls.

Groups wishing to obtain a small projects fund application form can contact Becky Holdsworth at Yorventure, on (01943) 850089. Completed forms must be submitted by Friday, November 30.