COMMUNITY groups are being given the chance to apply for up to £10,000.

Organisations are being urged to apply to the Coalfields Community Investment Programme which supports old mining towns and villages.

One group that has received funding from the scheme is the charity Wigan and Leigh Young Carers which was awarded £9,720 to deliver two “Relax Kids” projects.

Head of Operations in England for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust Andy Lock said: “The Coalfields Community Investment Programme has made a huge difference over the years as it allows us to redirect funding to organisations that need it most.

"There are some fantastic initiatives that in many cases deliver life changing services, but without the funds they simply wouldn’t be in a position to carry on.

“We know that our communities continue to be some of the most deprived in the country and that is why programmes like this are so important.

"We would encourage any community-based organisation in Leigh that can meet with our three priorities for action; employment, skills and health to put forward an application.”

They are five-week programmes that provide respite for young carers and the money provided will go towards the cost of 240 counselling sessions for children from the area.

The scheme is in its third year and has handed out more than £1 million.

Applicants need to outline how their work will improve the employment, skills or health of the community.

For more information about the programme and the application process visit bit.ly/2laZH7T.