PEOPLE in Pendle who want to make a difference to their local environment are being encouraged to apply for cash for improvement projects.

The Green Partnerships Awards grants, of between £100 and £400, are on offer to local people and groups, including parish councils and schools.

Projects must have lasting environmental benefit, result in practical environmental improvement, involve the community, benefit wildlife and landscape and be highly visible.

Previous funding through the GPA enabled Roughlee Parish Council to rebuild and repair damaged sections of roadside dry stone wall.

James Starkie, of the council, said: "This is the third year we have benefited from GPA grants which have enabled us to correct some of the decay of the past and we have primarily used our grants to repair dry stone walling throughout the village.

"The application form is very easy to fill in and, once accepted, the money comes through very quickly, allowing you to start work with minimal delay."

Other examples of projects include tree and shrub planting, hedgerow restoration, pond creation, school wildlife areas, butterfly gardens, and footpath and bridle way improvements.

Councillor John David, the council's executive member for the environment, said: "Everyone can get involved in a GPA project. These are small scale projects by their nature, but if lots of people are involved, the projects can make a tangible improvement to the local environment."

The Green Partnerships Awards are sponsored by Lancashire County Council, United Utilities, Pendle Council, the Environment Agency and North West Development Agency.

To apply online, go to www.lancashire.gov.uk/environment/grants/gpa/ or telephone 01772 264 197 for an application form.