Voluntary and community groups in the Ashby area have until the end of June to apply for the first round of funding from a local grant fund.

North West Leicestershire District Council's (NWLDC) UKSPF Community Grant has received £150,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The first round of applications opened on April 3 and closes on June 30.

The programme has meant all areas of the district have been allocated funding, with community groups, parish and town councils and voluntary organisations able to bid for some, or all, of the funding for a project.

Potential projects could look to improve an area of local green space, support local facilities, reduce anti-social behaviour or support a local event.

Funding pots will be available for 2022/23 and 2023/24, with £150,000 distributed across the district each year.

Communities have been assigned funds of between £3,000 and £10,000 each per year, depending on population size.

A second round of applications may be opened for any unspent funding. Further details will be available at a later date.

Find out more and apply online HERE. Groups unsure of the suitability of their projects can also email [email protected] for further advice.

Councillor Tony Gillard, Portfolio Holder for Business and Regeneration at NWLDC, said: "The USKPF Community Grant Fund provides a unique opportunity for groups to take control of funding and put it to use in ways that will support them locally.

"We have wanted to make sure all communities across the district are able to share the funding we've been given, so if you have an idea of how to spend some, or all of the grant in your community, please apply by 30 June."