COMMUNITY groups in Whitefield and Unsworth are being urged to apply for more than £33,000 worth of funding - some of which has to be awarded before next April.

Organisers can, for example, apply to clean up a grotspot, start a sports group or arts club or even a youth group.

A total of £33,533 is available, of which £20,125 has to be spent in the next nine months. A sub group of Whitefield and Unsworth Local Area Partnership has been set up to consider all the bids.

The partnership's manager, Rose De, said: "We would love to hear from any group within the area who would like to apply for a grant." Call Rose for more information on (0161) 253 7344.