KIRKLEES community groups are being invited to bid for a share of £250,000 in Government money.

The money is being given out through the Community Chest and Community Learning Chest programmes.

The two schemes are run by the Voluntary Action Kirklees (VAK) charity.

The cash has been channelled from the Government to VAK via Kirklees Council's Neighbourhood Renewal Unit.

The Government gives out the cash to help regenerate needy areas of Kirklees.

The aim is to improve community groups, encourage people to take part in community activities and help people gain new skills.

It will also assist ethnic minority groups in exploring their history, cultures and traditions.

Grants range between £50 and £5,000.

Decisions about who gets the grants are made every two months by a panel of representatives from the voluntary sector.

To apply for grants, or for further information, contact Sam Lofts at Voluntary Action Kirklees on 01484 518457 or e-mail sam.lofts@ voluntaryactionkirklees.co.uk

* Kirklees community groups benefited from £230,000 last year

* Around £1,140 was used to run art and craft sessions for women at Crosland Moor

* £5,000 was given to African Welcome to stage a Kirklees-wide information event

* £348 went to a Dalton Neighbourhood Watch group to help it produce a community newsletter.