THERE is still time for Wyre Forest groups to apply for funding to help with community initiatives.

Worcestershire County Council is encouraging applications to be submitted for the final round of the Ministry of Defence's Community Covenant Grant scheme.

Now in its final year, the scheme was established to fund local projects that bring together the civilian and armed forces communities.

The Ministry of Defence set aside £30 million to be spent on projects, and in Worcestershire nearly £100,000 has been awarded so far.

Recent funding successes include £70,000 awarded to Hereford and Worcester Army Cadets to build a new range and improve facilities at their residential training camp at Tyddesley Wood.

County councillor Lucy Hodgson, cabinet member for localism and communities, said: "It's great news that Worcestershire has been able to secure so much funding despite no longer have any barracks in the county.

"I therefore wholeheartedly encourage more groups to come forward and apply for this last opportunity for funding under the current scheme."

Funding of between £100 and £250,000 is available and applications can be submitted by any part of the community, including volunteer groups, charities, and public bodies such as schools.

Applications need to be received by the Worcestershire Armed Forces Community Covenant Partnership by 5pm on Friday, December 19.

For more information, or to apply for funding, call 01905 822836 or visit worcestershirepartnership.org.uk