A FUNDING pot worth £50,300 to help community groups has been opened for applications by Brentwood Council.

The Brentwood Community Fund can be used by individuals, clubs or organisations in the borough to help pay for projects they run.

Up to £3,500 can be applied by each group with each bid assessed by the authority's Community Services Committee.

Jan Pound, chairman of the committee, said: "We want to support those who make a positive difference to the lives of people in Brentwood but who may need some financial help to get  their project off the ground.

"This is a great way to do that and is a fantastic opportunity to apply for funding. I’m sure this money will be put to good use by those who are successful."

For more information about the scheme or to make an application, visit www.brentwood.gov.uk/funding.