Pendle Council has announced that it is offering £50,000 in grants to local organisations if they can help bring visitors to the Borough or promote community cohesion.

The Cohesion and Tourism Events Fund is aimed at helping draw visitors from a wider area into the Borough or to support events that will promote community cohesion.

Funding has already been earmarked for the Trafalgar Day Celebrations and has been provided for the recent Youth Festival. It is hoped the fund will support Colne Royal British Legion Club with their National Victory 2005 Celebrations.

The fund will be administered by the Council's Regeneration Unit and applications will be approved by a panel consisting of Coun. Alan Davies, Leader of the Council; Coun. Ann Kerrigan, Executive Member for Community Safety, and Coun. Frank Wren, Executive Member for Tourism and the Rural Economy.

Coun. Davies said: "This is a significant sum of money that could really make a difference to the Borough. The panel will be looking for new, innovative ideas that will attract visitors from the Manchesters and Blackpools of this world. If you can market us in Swindon too, so much the better! With the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Pendle Hill, amazing cycling and walking routes, not to mention a wide range of fine shops and restaurants, this is our chance to shout to the rest of the world."

Applicants will need to demonstrate sound financial management skills and report back on increased visitor numbers and media coverage. Help with developing an application, a copy of the eligibility rules and application forms can be obtained from Vaughan Jones, Employment & Community Initiatives Manager on 01282 661962 or by email: vaughan.jones@pendle.gov.uk

Vaughan said: "I look forward to working with groups in developing their bids for this. I know that we have some really imaginative people in the Borough. The quirkier an idea, the better, in my book! Although it's an 'events' fund, if there's someone who can get us that big advertising hoarding above the Concourse at Euston Station for a year, I'd certainly present that one to the panel."