GRANTS of up to £250,000 are available again to fund community projects that support armed forces families in Dorset.

The latest funding round of The Community Covenant scheme lasts until September 1, when all applications for funding must be submitted.

Forces families across the county are already able to access services funded by the scheme – 21 projects have been bankrolled so far, to the tune of more than £250,000.

These include an exhibition, an adventure playground, a village hall and a volunteer recruitment project.

County Hall says the scheme is aimed at projects that strengthen ties between members of the armed forces community and the wider communities in which they live.

Dorset County Council chief executive Debbie Ward said: “The armed forces have an important presence in Dorset, so we are delighted that Dorset has had remarkable success with this grant programme.

“There are some strong links between the county’s armed forces and our local communities and, with some significant anniversaries this year, those ties are increasing all the time.

“The funding is a fantastic way to enable even stronger relationships to develop. We have already seen some great outcomes, so I encourage even more projects to come forward with their ideas.”

Grants from £250 to £250,000 are available, and there will be a third round of awards later this year.

Lieutenant Colonel Bob Brannigan, of Blandford Garrison, said: “The Community Covenant scheme is going from strength-to-strength here in Dorset.

“We have been very successful in getting funds to projects that are cementing relationships between the military and civilian communities.”

To find out more about the scheme, and how to apply for funding, contact Becky Forrester at Dorset County Council on r.forrester@dorsetcc.gov.uk or by calling 01305 224 821.

Alternatively, further information is available at dorsetforyou.com/covenant funding