EAST Lancashire charities are mobilising their supporters in a bid to win a public vote to secure vital funding.

The Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team, the Sophie Lancaster Foundation and the Oswaldtwistle Civic Arts Centre are among more than 3,000 charities and organisations from across the country that hope to attract enough votes by the end of the month.

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The competition is being run by insurance company Aviva through it’s community fund and voting is set to close in 25 days.

If successful the East Lancashire organisations will be among 362 projects elected to receive funding awards from £1,000 to £25,000.

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation, which was set up after the 20-year-old Haslingden girl was murdered in 2007, has already attracted more than 1,000 votes and hopes to be given a grant of around £25,000.

For the last eight years it has aimed to educate people about Alternative Subcultures (goths, emos, moshers, punks and skaters) and other minority groups.

The Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team is seeking around £15,000 to replace the team’s waterproof equipment.

The team, which has got more than 1,200 votes so far, has up to 50 volunteers and each set costs £300 per person.

The Hyndburn Arts Trust is also seeking up to £10,000 to continue it’s work with young people from the area to put on a show for the elderly at Oswaldtwistle Civic Arts Centre.

Other groups that have submitted bids include St Francis Scouts in Blackburn for more equipment, recruitment consultants Cummins Mellor for a bike ride in aid of Blackburn Youth Zone and Financial Affairs Ltd to roll out Premier League Reading Stars in 50 Burnley and Pendle primary schools.

A spokesman for the Sophie Lancaster Foundation said: “The support from the community has been incredible, from fundraisers to inviting us in to schools, colleges and workplaces to deliver educational work .”

Heather Smith, director of Aviva’s UK Direct business, said: “Anyone in the UK can enter the Aviva Community Fund to nominate a community group, club or charity for one of 362 different awards. The levels of funding mean everyone has the chance to make a difference to their local community.”

For details or to cast your vote visit: www.community-fund.aviva.co.uk/cms/