Community groups across Dorset are being encouraged to apply for a £10,000 grant from, national charity, Heart Research UK.

The grant is available for new and innovative projects that promote healthy hearts and are aiming to reduce the risk of heart disease in their community.

Since 2001, Heart Research UK has awarded over 300 community grants, directly benefitting the hearts of over 70,000 individuals and countless wider community and family members across all regions of the UK.

Projects should deliver health initiatives such as cooking skills, healthy eating and accessible exercise and should promote mental wellbeing and encourage people to be active.

The grants are only available to not-for-profit organisations, including charities, community groups, voluntary organisations and sports groups.

Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive of Heart Research UK, said: “Through the Healthy Heart grants we hope to encourage people across the whole country to make healthier choices and give them practical help to do so. These grants are available to ensure everyone has the chance to benefit from a healthier, happier and longer life.

“We’re looking for new and innovative projects that really have an impact, especially if they aim to improve the health of at risk or hard to reach communities.”

The deadline for applications in the South West area is the 24th of October.