FUNDING is available to help green-fingered groups spruce up their communities.

Durham County Council is making grants of up to £500 a time for environmental improvements.

Applicants must be willing to participate in the Royal Horticultural Society’s It’s Your Neighbourhood scheme, which gives small groups the chance to get involved in Britain in Bloom activities. It also helps volunteers clean up parks, back lanes and plant flowers and displays.

Earlier this year, the council made 27 grants of up to £500 each. Now, a second round of applications has begun.

Shincliffe Parish Horticulture Group received funding in the first round, to plant an old mine site with wildflowers.

Chairman Angela Lee said: “The project has had a positive impact on the local area by encouraging children to take an interest in, and responsibility for, environmental and community matters.”

Applications are open until November 13. For further details, visit durham.gov.uk/itsyourneighbourhood, email civicpride@durham.gov.uk or call 03000-261-000.