WAYS of funding community environmental projects will be discussed at a seminar in Lancashire next month.

The event has been organised by Rural Action, which funded 147 projects across the county between 1994 and 1998.

Since the merger of the Countryside Commission and the Rural Development Agency, Rural Action has not been able to offer funding.

But it is still able to offer help to community projects and suggestions on alternative sources of securing cash.

The seminar, called The Funding Gap - Finding funds for local groups, will feature presentations from previous projects and will look at how community-led projects can move forward.

John Lamb of the Lancashire Wildlife Trust said: "In 1998 local environmental volunteers attracted over £75,000 worth of funding and 'in kind' donations into Lancashire.

"They are a credit to the county and it would be a great shame if their efforts had to be curtailed."

The seminar will be held from 10am to 4pm on January 29, at Harris Park Conference Centre, Garstang Road, Preston.

Admission is free, includes lunch, and places can be booked by telephoning 01772 324129 during office hours.

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