THE Forest of Bowland AONB's sustainable development fund is open for applications until Friday.

This grant scheme is aimed at supporting projects which are based in or near to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and which tackle the three elements of sustainability: environment, community and economy.

Grants of up to £5,000 are available and can be applied for by businesses, community groups and individuals.

In recent years projects supported in the Ribble Valley area have included energy efficiency works at Dunsop Bridge, conservation work at Moor Piece, near Bashall and a mountain bike trail building in Gisburn Forest.

For further scheme guidance and an application form visit www.forestof bowland.com/cons_devfund or call Cathy Hopley at the AONB office on 01200 448000.