The second round of funding from Gloucestershire County Council's Build Back Better - Market Towns fund has just been made available.

The fund was initially launched in the summer, inviting bids from parish and town councils, as well as voluntary and community organisations, and a pot of £500,000 was set aside to help recovery from the effects of COVID-19.

In total 45 bids for funding were supported, ranging from £1,000 to £25,000, and £385,386 was allocated.

The second round of funding is now open and aims to distribute the rest of the money available - nearly £115,000.

Bids from community events that were unsuccessful in the first phase of funding can reapply, but new bids are also welcome.

The grant should also support the event itself and not upgrades to the venue being used to host the proposed event.

The fund aims to boost the economy of the county's market towns and high streets and events can include spring shows, summer fetes, vintage car shows, music festivals or farmers' markets. All allocated funding must be used by 31 August 2022.

Completed applications for this latest round of funding must be received by 5pm on 17 December 2021 and applicants will be informed of the outcome on 17 January 2022.

Cllr Lynden Stowe, cabinet member for finance and change, said: "This funding will help to revitalise our market towns and boost the local economy and I'm really looking forward to seeing these fantastic events go ahead."

For more information on the fund and to apply, see www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/market-towns-fund/