GROUPS in and around Durham City have only days left to apply for a chance to share in £20,000.

The deadline for the It’s up to You funding award scheme run by Durham County Council’s Durham Area Action Partnership (AAP) is Tuesday, October 28.

Local volunteer and community organisations in the area have been invited to apply for a grant from the AAP’s community chest.

The applications will be examined and some will be selected to be voted on by local people at a special event.

Last year more than 520 people cast their votes for 24 projects. One of the biggest beneficiaries was Deerness Valley Football Club, which was given just over £4,000 towards its efforts to encourage girls to take up the sport.

AAP chairman Colin Wilkes said: “The feedback from both those visiting to vote and those local organisations taking part in last year’s event was overwhelmingly positive.

“Local VCS (Voluntary and Community Sector) stated it gave them the opportunity to promote all the good work they do (often unrecognised) to a larger audience and also allowed them to make contacts with other groups doing voluntary work.”

This year’s event will be held in Durham Town Hall, in the city’s Market Place, on Saturday, November 8, between 10am and 2pm.

People will be able to vote for the projects they want to see funded and also on the AAP’s priorities for 2015.

Only those who live or work in the AAP area – which stretches from West Rainton to Bearpark and from Shincliffe to Pittington – are eligible.

Application forms and further information can be downloaded from the website ourdurham.org.uk or requested from the AAP at dcaap@durham.gov.uk or on 03000 267204.