The half-a-million-pound cash boost from the West of England Combined Authority, led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris, will build on a successful scheme that saw the first 13 community projects across the region launch in early April, helping more than 1,000 talented locals to get the support they need.

Those trailblazer projects have seen innovative training courses spring up harnessing the power of boxing to help people with budgeting skills at Bristol’s Empire Fighting Chance and cooking up a storm with catering qualifications at Bath City Farm.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “We need as many people as possible in all our communities to be able to realise their potential if the West of England is to continue to thrive and flourish. I would encourage community groups, organisations and charities to look at this new opportunity to apply for grants from a £500,000 West of England Combined Authority pot. Let’s make sure that more residents from across our amazing region are able to learn, train and work their way to success.”

For further information on how to apply, please visit the West of England Combined Authority’s Community Support Fund page to find out more.