FREE funding presentations will take place in Burnley and Pendle next week.

Near Neighbours and Together Lancashire will be helping projects and groups aiming to strengthen their community.

A programme spokesman said up to £5,000 is available for groups to help develop relationships across diverse faiths and ethnicities in order to improve their communities.

Near Neighbours is a national scheme funded by the Department of Communities and Local Government.

Criteria for funding includes sustainable projects which bring people of the same town, street, or neighbourhood together.

The projects need to improve their communities and involve a diverse range of people.

Projects can be environmental, social, cultural, artistic and sports.

The spokesman said: "No appointments or bookings are necessary, just turn up on the day and find out if the fund can help your group deliver an important community project which will have a positive impact upon the people and residents of the community."

The first event will take place at the Gannow Community Centre in Adamson Street, Burnley, on Tuesday, October 10, between 1pm and 2pm.

The second event will take place at the Grassroots Centre in Leeds Road, Nelson, on Thursday, October 12, from 12.30pm to 2pm.

For more information about the funding and the presentations, call Lynne Mitchell on 01254 169827.