GREEN-fingered volunteers can apply for grants to improve community gardens.

The grants of up to £500 are available to volunteer-led groups to encourage them to take part in environmental projects.

It is part of the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) It’s Your Neighbourhood campaign.

Projects must make a positive change to an area where people live, work or spend their leisure time and must also involve growing edible plants.

Potential schemes could include working with schools, helping older people avoid social isolation or producing fresh food to support charities.

Ian Hoult, Durham County Council’s neighbourhood protection manager, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people to get together and spruce up their local area and perhaps even help others in their community.

“We’ve supported some great projects over the past two years and I’m sure there are plenty more worthy recipients out there.”

Among the groups to take part this year were the residents of Grape Lane, in Durham City, who used the cash to plant flowers and rejuvenate borders around grassy areas.

For more information visit www.durham.gov.uk/civicpride, email civicpride@durham.gov.uk or call 03000 261 000.

Applications open on Monday, October 3 and close on Friday, November 11.