COMMUNITY groups around the UK are being urged to apply for funding and support this year.

Grassroots Giving was launched last year by Skipton Building Society, to celebrate its 160th anniversary. This year it aims to give 161 groups the chance to win the funding.

One of last year’s winners was Cowden Care Farm CIC from Dorchester – a group offering adults with learning difficulties and disabilities work experience, and Bus2Go a voluntarily ran bus route through villages in Dorset.

Cowden Care Farm have since spent their funding on building allotment bays, transforming garden waste into valuable rich food for their allotments. Bus2Go have purchased a banner to promote their project at local fairs and events. They can also take wheelchairs, pushchairs and rollators on board, after having to remove seats to accommodate them safely.

Anna Hall, Director at Cowden Care Farm CIC said: “We are so grateful for the funding from the Skipton Big 160.

“We have made huge progress with the allotments since receiving the funding.