COUNCILS are being invited to bid for a share of a £168million pothole fund.

The fund, announced in the Chancellor’s March budget statement, is enough to fix more than three million potholes.

More than 2,300 potholes opened up on Dorset roads following the brutal storms that battered the region earlier this year. Each pothole is estimated to cost £65 to repair.

Councils have until 4pm on Thursday, May 22 to submit a bid for a share of the money.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “I want councils to rise to the challenge on this issue.”