MORE than £500,000 is being made available to help voluntary organisations across Worcestershire.

From today, voluntary and community sector organisations across the county will be able to pick up an application pack to apply for one of two types of grants from Worcestershire County Council.

The two types of grants available for organisations to apply for are strategic grants for three years and community grants for one year or for a one-off activity.

Conservative councillor, Simon Geraghty, the county council's cabinet member for planning and economy and performance, said: "The grant programme shows the support and commitment that Worcestershire County Council is continuing to show voluntary organisations.

"We are encouraging groups to use this opportunity to complete an application form and apply for one of these grants.

"The grant programme is a positive step forward in helping the voluntary sector who, in turn, help to deliver public services in Worcestershire."

The grant programme was created following consultation last year as the county council sought to make good on its promises to put the Worcestershire Compact into practice.

The compact is an agreement between the public and voluntary sectors to work together to improve the way services are delivered in the community.

Anyone wanting an application pack can contact 01905 766885, e-mail jbishop2@worcestershire.gov.uk or log on to www.worcestershire.gov.uk/voluntary and click on the grants link.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday, April 30, at 4pm.