A GRANT scheme allowing groups to organise events to celebrate the 450th anniversary of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis being officially combined by Royal Charter is opening up for its second phase of applications.

Weymouth Town Council said it is delighted with the quality and diversity of the celebratory community projects that the council has already been able to support with its Weymouth 450 Grant Scheme.

READ MORE: Events and music in Weymouth: 'MelWey Games' on Saturday July 3

This year marks 450 years from when Weymouth and Melcombe Regis were combined by an Act of Parliament. To celebrate this, Weymouth Town Council set aside a grant funding budget - a total of £15,000 - and invited local community groups to apply for grants of up to £1,000 to support their anniversary projects or events.

The council is now announcing July 19 as the second deadline for the grant scheme and is inviting local organisations and schools to apply for funding for more celebratory projects. Decision on the award of grants will hopefully be made by the end of July.

A spokesman for Weymouth Town Council said: "We want to celebrate this landmark anniversary with exciting events and activities that involve the whole community - that’s why we’re offering grants for local community groups and not-for-profit organisations. Whether it’s a picnic in a park, an art-based activity or event celebrating our history and culture, we’d love to hear your ideas."

Local projects and events that have already successfully received funding from the Weymouth 450 Grant Scheme include the Melway Games which are to be hosted by Nothe Fort today.

Activities will be held in the Fort and there will be a Melway Gig Boat Race by amateurs around Newton’s Cove.

Other local projects supported by the grants include the All Saints Festival, hosted by the Parish of Wyke Regis on September 25 and 26; a talk on Elizabethan Music followed by an evening concert of English Renaissance music organised by the Holy Trinity Parochial Church organised; and an open day for residents to bring their memories, photographs, and artefacts of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis organised by the Weymouth Museum Trust.

To apply for a grant, download the application form and email a completed form to office@weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk by Monday, July 19.

Running order for the Melwey Games today:

2pm to 4pm – Weymouth Rowing Club intraclub rowing race

4pm to 9.30pm – Nothe Fort, Charity Gala

4pm to 7pm – Dorset Knob throwing (individual event)

4.30pm to 5.30pm – MelWey rowing race

5.30pm to 6.15pm – Tug of War

6.15 to 6.45 – Barrel Rolling relay

6.45 to 7pm – Points added and beacon lit

7pm to 7.15pm – prize giving

7pm to 8.30pm – live music

8.30pm to 9.30pm – recorded music

For more information visit www.melwey.co.uk