COMMUNITY projects are being invited to apply for cash from Cotswolds District Council's Community Activity Support Grant scheme.

The scheme offers each ward in the district a pot of £2,500 to help proposed projects in their areas.

Grants are awarded on a case-by-case basis between £100 and £1,000 but in exceptional circumstances, or where the project will benefit across multiple wards, larger grants may be considered.

Applications for new grants are open and submissions must be made by January 13. To apply, visit cotswold.gov.uk/communitygrants.

There have been several successful applications in the latest round of funding including Cotswold Friends, who were granted a £1,000 award in grant funding to provide community activities for older people who live alone.

Cotswold Friends Community Activities Programme aims to tackle social isolation amongst older residents and other groups in the community. For over 40 years Cotswold Friends have provided excellent services for the community and this new programme will provide weekly lunch clubs and monthly activity groups, together with an integrated transport service, to keep people connected.

READ MORE: Moreton tearoom helps Cotswold Friends

Community Wellbeing manager, Jacqueline Wright, said: “These grants can be of great benefit to local communities. We hope people from across the whole district will apply for funds to support events, activities or projects that will enhance the quality of life for local people.

"It’s particularly important to support projects that involve young people, positively impact on mental health or schemes that will improve the quality of our environment by taking action to combat waste and climate change.”