THE Prince's Countryside Fund, which makes grants to organisations working with rural communities, has re-opened for applications.

Exceptionally wet weather this winter has brought misery to thousands of flooded families, farms and businesses across Britain, with many rural communities facing a second consecutive year of flooding.

The countryside also faces wider problems, said fund organisers, including rural isolation, lack of job opportunities for young people, and the demise of local shops and pubs.

The Prince's Countryside Fund charity is looking to invest up to £750,000 in worthwhile rural initiatives. it has already distributed more than £3.8m in grants to hard-pressed rural communities, directly benefiting more than 64,000 people since 2010.

Fund director Dawn Howard said: "The countryside has faced some real hardships in recent years and the grants are available to redress the balance and get rural businesses, farmers and communities back on their feet and flourishing.

"This year, we have additional funds to help regions affected by the recent and severe flooding.

"We are actively seeking applications from organisations that are supporting victims of flooding or working on projects focused on recovery and resilience in rural areas, particularly Somerset.

"One of the most devastating consequences of flooding is the length of time it takes to recover and we're looking to help farms and businesses cope with the long term consequences."

Ms Howard said rural communities were the backbone of the countryside, and farming was of vital importance to a thriving UK economy.

She added: "The Fund is here to support and assist these communities in times of hardship and help those who live and work in the countryside face a brighter future."

The Prince's Countryside Fund is looking to fund projects that will have a lasting positive impact on rural communities.

Applications that address the following issues will be considered:

* Improving service provision in rural areas
* Supporting rural enterprise
*Supporting farming businesses
* Providing training opportunities for young people

Applications related to recovery and resilience as a result of flooding will need to address the issues listed above.

Ms Howard said: "We're looking for innovative ideas of how to assist the recovery and nurture the resilience of rural communities."

The fund is open for applications from Monday 3 March until Thursday 24 April at 17.00pm. Any applications received after this time will not be considered.

The fund website is www.princescountrysidefund.org.uk.