COMMUNITY groups in north Durham are being encouraged to apply for funds from a pot of public money.

Derwent Valley Partnership has allocated £20,000 for its third It’s Up 2 U scheme, which provides organisations with grants to deliver projects in and around Consett.

Groups can apply for amounts between £500 and £2,000 and residents will be asked to vote for favourite idea in late November.

Activities must be themed around one or more of the three main priorities being tackled by the partnership, such as activities for young people; employment, education, training and regeneration; older people; health and wellbeing or culture, art and tourism.

Derwent Valley area action partnership co-ordinator Corinne Walton said: “Ultimately, this scheme is about enabling the community to make the decisions on how local money is spent.

“Previous schemes have been well received and we would encourage groups to contact us for more information if they wish to get involved.”

For more information about the scheme or for an application pack, contact a member of the DVP Team on 03000 260725 or e-mail dvaap@durham.gov.uk

The deadline for applications is Friday, September 4.