Community groups and organisations struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic are being offered the chance to apply for a support grant from Gloucester City Council.

The funding has been made available following work by city council into the impact of the pandemic on the voluntary and community sector.

One-off financial grants will be made to groups experiencing financial difficulties and those that need to make adaptations in the wake of coronavirus.

The council has set aside £10,000 for the initiative and groups can apply for grants of up to £1,000, which will be awarded on a first come, first served basis.

Councillor Jennie Watkins, cabinet member for communities and neighbourhoods, said: "Community and voluntary groups play a vital role in our city, and they too face challenges to adapt and thrive as a result of the pandemic.

"We're pleased to be able to respond to their feedback on what might help and offer this fund to offer help during the recovery.

"We will do all we can to support them and encourage anyone struggling to get in touch with the council so we can help."

Funding will be aimed primarily at small community groups, grassroots organisations and community centres.

The money can be used to cover lost revenue from premises hire or cancelled fundraising activities, paying for IT and other technological measures groups may have faced as a result of the pandemic or costs such as signs and social distancing measures.

Visit gloucester.gov.uk  and search for City Recovery Funding or email grants@gloucester.gov.uk  for details.