COMMUNITY groups in the conurbation are being invited to apply for a share of Co-op’s ‘Local Community Fund’.

Applications are now open for local community groups and charities to apply for a share of the £5m funding.

The fund has supported almost 40,000 unique community projects across the UK since its launch in 2016, with groups receiving more than £100m.

This year, Co-op is looking to support projects that help create sustainable futures for people and the planet.

Co-op is also keen to support projects that promote and celebrate diversity and inclusion.

Rebecca Birkbeck, director of community and member participation at Co-op, said: “As a co-operative, our focus is to deliver increased value for our member-owners and their communities and we know that members really care about supporting local, grassroots projects.

"Through our Local Community Fund, we’re able to support local projects and initiatives that make a real difference to people and our planet in communities across the country.”

Successful causes will receive a minimum of £1,000.

Wider-reaching benefits include 95 per cent of causes saying that they felt more connected with their communities as a result of participating in Co-op’s Local Community Fund.

Applications are open until Sunday, July 7.

Groups interested in applying can find out more by visiting https://coop.co.uk/causes