Funding is available to boost sports, arts, culture, and community wellbeing.

Ribble Valley Borough Council is inviting applications for its 2024 sports and arts excellence and recreation and culture grants scheme.

The scheme has helped young athletes and performance artists, including Olympians Jon Schofield and Samantha Murray, by helping with equipment and tuition costs.

Grants are available for sport, dance, drama, and music, with priority given to those with a strong track record and evidence of achievement.

Councillor Stuart Hirst, chair of the council’s community services committee, said: “The biggest issue for young people and their parents in pursuing their chosen activity is the cost of instruction, transport and equipment, and we hope that by helping towards these costs young people will be able to reach their potential.”

Funding is also available for sports and arts groups to improve facilities, particularly projects that enhance community well-being.

This includes sports and community groups, and projects that improve arts activity for the disadvantaged and those with access difficulties.

Grants are available to not-for-profit organisations for up to 50 per cent of the project cost, excluding maintenance or running costs.

The application deadline is 5pm on Wednesday, November 30.