Community groups can now try for funding from this year's Dover District Council Community Grants Scheme.

The application period opened last Monday and continues until noon on Monday, June 20.

The council has increased the grant fund to £260,000 this year.

It has been split into two rounds for summer and winter, and includes £7,500 from the Dover District Lotto.

For every pound spent on that, 60p goes back into the local community.

The grants scheme is annual and this year's was given the go ahead by DDC's cabinet on May 9

Community groups can bid for grants from £100 up to £4,000.

Cllr Oliver Richardson, cabinet member for communities, said: “Volunteers are the backbone of our community. As communities continue to face the rising cost of living, and look to the future following the effects of the pandemic, we’re pleased once again to be able to increase funding."

The total figure for last year was at first £130,000 but eventually went up to £230,000.

Applications are welcomed from community organisations and groups in the Dover, Deal and Sandwich area, or who are seeking a grant to support activities that will benefit a community within it.

This includes charities, youth and sports clubs and church and faith groups.

For more information, telephone the DDC communities team on 01304 872277, email communitygrants@dover.gov.uk, or see dover.gov.uk/communitygrants

You can also apply online on that web page