Otley and Yeadon councillors have welcomed the availability of the Caird Peckfield Community Fund in its final year.

This long-running fund provides grants of between £5,000 and £50,000 from a pot of £300,000 for community groups and projects to improve local amenities within the Leeds City Council area.

Councillors Ryk Downes, Sandy Lay and Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Wharfedale) have welcomed the funding and are urging all Otley and Yeadon community groups who have ever thought about starting a project to improve their area to apply as soon as they can.

Coun Downes said: “This is a great chance to improve our area and I would strongly encourage everyone to apply online as soon as you can. The Caird Peckfield Community Fund represents the possibility to secure funding to make a real difference in our community.”

Applications (for projects due to start in 2014) must be submitted using an online form at grantscape.org.uk by noon on Wednesday, February 12.