COMMUNITY groups can now apply for a rural support grant from Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The Rural Support Fund accepts applications from community organisations, charitable groups and other constituted groups.

Applicants must be carrying out work that benefits their local community, said the local authority.

Successful applications to date have helped deliver projects for village hall and community hall refurbishments.

They have also helped improve sports facilities, play area schemes and environmental improvements across Cheshire West.

To be eligible, project delivery must be for capital based projects within the rural area of the borough, said the council.

The project will require a minimum of 50% match funding from other sources.

Prospective applicants can apply for between £2,000 and £10,000. Projects should be completed within a year after receiving funding.

The Rural Support Grant is administered by the council's Rural Regeneration team.

Councillor Louise Gittins, chairman of the Rural Support Steering Group, said it aimed to support the capital costs element of community focused projects.

"We encourage local organisations to submit their project proposals that are aimed at improving access to services," she said.

Projects should support residents in creating economic and environmental sustainability for the whole of the community.

"We are keen to encourage local groups and organisations in areas of the borough that have not previously applied for the rural grant and may have a proposal that would be eligible for financial support from this funding stream."

Applications would be particularly welcomed from community groups and organisations in a number of the local authority's wards.

These included Davenham and Moulton, Hartford and Greenbank, Helsby, Kingsley, Little Neston and Burton, Winsford Swanlow and Dene, Witton and Rudheath.

The deadline by which applications must be received is 5pm on Friday 18 December 2015.

For further information about the grant, contact Cheshire West and Chester's Rural Regeneration team on 01244 977475 or 01244 973165.

Alternatively, email ruralsupport@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.