Festivals and community events are invited to apply for grants of up to £2,000 from Allerdale council.

Grants are available to support new or developing events taking place in Allerdale between January and May 2017.

They are aimed at events that improve the cultural or leisure offer for surrounding communities, that attract audiences and participants locally and from further afield and fill a gap on the leisure and culture calendar across the area.

Aspatria Music Festival, Maryport Flood Fun Day, the Lake District by Night photography event and Castle Rock in Workington have all been previously supported by the festival and events fund.

Councillor Mark Fryer, the council's executive member responsible for economic development, said: "We have seen some fantastic events that have benefited from the grants so far, all of which have contributed towards the council’s priorities of improving health and wellbeing and enhancing our towns to make them appealing for both tourists and local people.

"This funding offers a fantastic boost for smaller scale events, allowing them to sit in line with larger events in Allerdale such as the Northbound street party, Taste Cumbria food festival and the Lakesman triathlon."

For an application form visit www.allerdale.gov.uk/festivals or collect a hard copy from Allerdale House in Workington.