A COMMUNITY crowd-funding event is set to become a monthly affair after a successful first meeting.

The Burnley Series, founded by Burnley student Matt Paiton, plans to donate cash to a worthy cause selected by audience members after they have heard presentations from volunteers.

Around 20 people attended the group’s inaugural fundraiser and chose East Lancashire Help the Homeless as its first grant recipient.

Mr Paiton, an events management student at The University of Greenwich, said the initiative was modelled on a similar scheme in Detroit, USA, which sought to benefit voluntary and not-for-profit groups.

The 21-year-old said: “Burnley is changing, slowly, and that’s important. We can’t afford to rush to change things. We need to be deliberate, and passionate, and kind.

“All over this town there are great people working on lots of projects and causes that deserve funding, but money isn't something that is easy to get at the moment.”

Three groups - Burnley Youth Theatre, Burnley District Youth Council and East Lancashire Help the Homeless - gave presentations at the Inn on the Wharf pub, in Manchester Road, on Monday, vying for the grant.

The homelessness group was voted the most deserving and walked away with £95, collected from the event’s £5 admission fee.

Mr Paiton said: “It's not going to be mega money but we think that together we can help fund the small projects that can have big impacts.

“The most important thing is we think giving money to the project will really help make a difference to Burnley.”

The next Burnley Series event will be held at Inn on the Wharf from 8pm on March 19. Groups interested in applying to make a presentation should email mpaiton@gmail.com.