COMMUNITY groups across Richmondshire are being encouraged to make applications for a share of a £25,000 pot of cash.

Richmondshire District Council’s five Area Partnerships have each been allocated £5,000 to help fund capital and revenue projects run by local groups and organisations.

In the past grants have been given to a range of initiatives including museums, village hall improvement schemes, lighting projects, play areas and sports associations.

Each application will be considered on a local need basis.

The Upper Dales and the North Richmondshire Area Partnerships have top limits of £500 per project while the Garrison partnerships limit is £1000. There is no limit placed on projects going to the Central and Lower Wensleydale Area Partnerships.

Applications can be made by parish councils, voluntary organisations or community groups with a constitution or set of rules. Each project must have a link to one of the priorities of the Richmondshire Sustainable Community Strategy and must be completed by March 31 next year.

Grant requests must not exceed 75 per cent of the total cost, with match funding coming from other sources.

For more information and application forms contact Richmondshire District Council partnerships officer Chloe Lewis on 01748-827022 or chloe.lewis@richmondshire.gov.uk