COMMUNITY groups across North Ayrshire are being given extra time to apply for financial help from a fund administered by the council.

Groups in the area now have until Sunday February 5 to apply for a share of £109,777 in 'participatory budgeting' funding provided by the council and North Ayrshire's health and social care partnership.

Members of the public will decide what groups will receive cash and how much they will be awarded through a vote set to take place later this year.

Councillor Alan Hill, North Ayrshire Council's cabinet member for communities and islands, said: “Participatory budgeting is a fantastic way of empowering local groups and distributing money in a fair and equitable way.

“We are delighted to be opening up the process again and hope many more groups get involved. It could really make a difference to your group so please don’t miss out on this opportunity.”

The money is split between two categories: localities and arts and culture.

Groups applying for the localities fund can receive up to £1,000 per project, while groups applying for the arts and culture fund can be awarded up to £400 per project.

Last year 129 projects were awarded funding through the participatory budgeting initiative.

The 'participatory budgeting' scheme was launched in 2016 “to help community projects and organisations to make a positive difference in their community".

To find out more about the funding stream, visit www.northayrshire.community/get-involved/participatory-budgeting-in-north-ayrshire/