Groups and organisations have until the end of February to apply for a grant of up to £50,000 to help with community projects.

Nottinghamshire County Council’s 2018-19 capital fund, from its Local Improvement Scheme, is open for applications from the county that can demonstrate how a grant would benefit residents.

To apply, visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/capital before 28th February.

One scheme that has already benefited from the fund was a play park in Blidworth.

Schoolchildren helped to shape the renovation of a the park by choosing the equipment they wanted thanks to a grant of £35,000, obtained by Blidworth Parish Council from the scheme.

Youngsters at Blidworth Oaks School, their parents and school staff teamed up with the parish council to redesign the play area,

The new equipment, which is suitable for children aged up to 12, includes items suitable for use by youngsters with disabilities.

The total project cost £66,500.

Nottinghamshire County Council’s vice-chairman for communities and place, Coun John Handley, said: “The Local Improvement Scheme provides targeted financial support for community organisations to deliver the council’s priorities to make Nottinghamshire a great place to live, work, visit and relax.

“This play park scheme is precisely the sort of application we want to support as it helps to empower local communities.”

Co Coun Yvonne Woodhead, who backed the parish council’s application, added: Councillor Woodhead said the grant enabled the parish council to go ahead with creating a new play area, not just a renovation.

Clare Brettell, clerk to the parish council, said: “Blidworth Parish Council had for some time wanted to invest in new play equipment and had set aside money each year.

“We also investigated if grant funding was available to assist with this project and came across the Local Improvement Scheme’s Capital Fund, managed by Nottinghamshire County Council.

“The application process was easy to follow, and we were delighted to learn that we had been successful with our application. It as made a world of difference to our young people.”