GROUPS have until the end of the month to apply for funding to help change their communities.

The funding is available from the Esh Group, which is providing grants of up to £1,000.

The North-East construction group, which is based in Bowburn, County Durham, launched the scheme, which is supported by the Esh Charitable Trust, to encourage people to come up with new ways to tackle community issues.

The scheme calls for groups with innovative ideas which match at least one of the group’s core values.

Projects must improve the quality of life for local residents, support disadvantaged or vulnerable communities, increase employment chances or promote equality by engaging minority and hard to reach groups.

Last year more than £40,000 worth of funding was given to 39 projects in the North-East, North-West, Yorkshire and Scotland.

To apply, and to for further information, groups should visit the Esh Group website, which can be found at www.eshgroup.co.uk.

The closing date is Friday, January 27.

Since the scheme started in 2012 more than £140,000 has been given out to community group projects.