Community groups across the Craven ward of Bradford Council are being invited to apply for cash help.

Grants of up to £500 are on offer under the new Connecting Communities scheme.

Bids should be from two or more organisations wanting to carry out a single project to bring communities together and share skills and resources.

The initiative is open to groups throughout the Keighley and Ilkley constituency, which includes Addingham, Eastburn, Silsden and Steeton.

“We want to give people the tools to help themselves by improving their own skills or those of the community around them,” said Coun Steve Pullen, chairman of the grants advisory group.

“This fund is about communities sharing skills, knowledge and experiences. The area committee is demonstrating its faith that local people can do things for themselves.”

Would-be applicants should contact Noreen Akhtar at the area co-ordinator’s office on 01535 618008 or noreen.akhtar @bradford.gov.uk. The deadline for applications is next Friday, March 7.