PENDLE charities and community groups are being urged to submit applications to the Lancashire Initiative Fund.

The scheme is a targeted way of providing medium-sized grants to voluntary, community and faith sector groups that carry out important work to help communities across the county.

Third sector groups and organisations in Lancashire can apply for grants from £1,000 to £5,000.

Pendle Central County Cllr Joe Cooney is calling on the borough’s charities and voluntary groups to submit applications.

The fund aims to support families, improve skills and employment and providing activities and programmes for young people aged 12 to 19.

County Cllr Cooney said: “The Initiative Fund is a great opportunity for local groups to secure funding to support the great work they undertake day in and day out.

“While the fund is open across Lancashire, it would be wonderful to see applications from Pendle.”

The deadline for applications is 5pm on September 1, with decisions announced in November.

A total of £177,000 is available for groups across Lancashire.

For further information email localinitiativefund@lancashire.gov.uk