A NEW grant aid scheme to help community groups and voluntary organisations is being launched in east Cleveland.

Grants of up to £2,250 can be accessed for a range of activities, including community events, neighbourhood safety, environmental improvements or feasibility studies.

The grant assistance, financed by One NorthEast through Tees Valley partnership and the Redcar and Cleveland Partnership, is available for rural communities in the east Cleveland rural priority area.

Coun Richard Rudland, chairman of the rural development programme steering group, said: "This is a great opportunity for all sorts of organisations in east Cleveland."

"They already do a lot of good work and this grant scheme will act as a helping hand for them to do more."

Hundreds of information packs about the grant have been circulated to a wide range of organisations to kick start ideas for community projects such as early years development and childcare.

The fund is prepared to finance 100 per cent of projects up to £1,000, while for schemes costing up to £3,000, the first £1,000 can be totally grant-funded, plus 75 per cent of the remainder - up to £2,250.

Grant applications will be considered on a 'first come, first served' basis with an expected turnaround within eight to ten weeks.

For more details about the ongoing programme - there is no closing date for applications contact Redcar and Cleveland Council's senior economic development officer Lola Ibhadon on (01287) 612508.