ALTON Town Council is inviting groups and projects seeking funding for next year to apply for a community grant.

Grants will be awarded at the meeting of the policy and resources committee in January for the forthcoming financial year. Applications must be submitted by November 30.

The grants are awarded to organisations which are judged to contribute to the whole community and may not be capable of covering their full running costs through their charitable endeavours. Grants may be awarded up to £10,000.

Applicants are asked to complete a grant application which can be found at alton.gov.uk under the community and events link and submit to [email protected].

Paper copies are also available from the town hall on request.

Applicants will then be invited to answer questions from councillors at a policy and resources meeting on January 18.

Town clerk Leah Coney said: “While the constraints on the public purse are continually increasing, the town council is committed to giving financial assistance to local groups and projects, no matter how large or small, who provide genuine benefits to the community.”

“These grants can often make the difference as to whether local clubs and charities are able to continue to provide the valuable help and assistance upon which many Altonians rely,” she added.

Recipients in 2016 included Alton Community Association, Citizens Advice, and HomeStart WeyWater.