THOUSANDS of pounds is now up for grabs by community groups as a £25,000 grants pot has opened for bids.

The Spennymoor Area Action Partnership has put the money aside for grants of between £250 and £2,500 towards projects on its patch.

AAP coordinator Michael Wilkes said the board wants to hear from lots of organizations and urged potential new applicants who are unsure about the process to get in touch as soon as possible.

He said initiatives must fit into one of the AAP’s three priority areas- employment and jobs, town centre regeneration or safer, stronger, healthier communities.

The deadline for applications is November 4.

Shortlisted groups will be invited to a public event at which residents of the town and surrounding area will vote on how the money will be shared out.

The It’s Up 2 U event, at Spennymoor Leisure Centre on February 4, 2017, is also an opportunity for those organisations to promote themselves and their projects.

Mr Wilkes said: “This will be the third year it has run and we are actively trying to engage with more groups.

“Even the groups that don’t get funding will benefit from the platform it provides.”

For details contact Spennymoor AAP, Green Lane, Spennymoor, DL16 6JQ or email to spennyaap@durham.gov.uk