COMMUNITY groups and organisations are being invited to apply for cash grants.

East Durham Rural Corridor AAP has allocated £40,000 to the It’s Up 2 U funding scheme.

Applications are invited from groups, centres, sports clubs and any other non-profit organisation.

Partnership co-ordinator Jane Bellis said: “We are delighted to launch this year’s It’s Up 2 U project which gives residents a say on how local money is spent.

“We encourage groups to come forward and apply for the scheme which has seen a number of fantastic projects delivered in the past.”

The closing date for the return of completed applications is Friday, September 22 at 12pm.

There will be a public voting event on Saturday, November 25 at Trimdon Community College in Trimdon Village.

Groups can apply for amounts from £1,000 to £4,000 by calling 03000-261-128 or emailing eastdurhamruralaap@durham.gov.uk.