TWO East Lancashire local authorities are urging businesses hit by coronavirus restrictions to apply for government grants to help them through the lockdown.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has opened the second Covid Discretionary Business Grant Programme for an expected 100 firms.

Burnley Council is advertising four variants of the Local Restrictions Support Grant,

The new discretionary grant programme will provide a level of financial support to closed businesses in shared accommodation with no Business Rates listing and also provide financial support for open businesses that are severely impacted by the pandemic.

The window for applications lasts until December 2.

Cllr Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s growth boss, said: "We will aim to support as many eligible local businesses as possible though funding is limited.”

Cllr Asif Raja, Burnley council's growth boss, said: "We know businesses are struggling through the pandemic. Financial help is available and we don't want any business to miss out on grant support if they are eligible to receive it."