The latest round of Wigan Council's funding scheme is now open for applications.

The Supporting Communities Fund has already distributed more than £50,000 to 74 projects, aimed at "reducing loneliness" and "promoting community cohesion".

Voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprises (VCFSE) in the borough can bid for up to £2,000.

The second funding round, focused on projects wishing to promote community cohesion, opened on September 9 and will close at 11.59pm on October 20.

Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet member for communities and neighbourhoods, said: "We have a proud tradition here in the borough of providing funds to help our amazing community sector deliver projects that transform our residents’ lives.

"We’re delighted that this second round of the fund is now open and we look forward to seeing the important projects come forward."

The fund is an evolution of the Community Recovery Fund, which was launched in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Moira Jones, secretary and treasurer at Golborne in Bloom, said: "The fund helped us to provide a relaxing outdoor reading and play area for Golborne’s community to enjoy.

"Using the Supporting Communities Fund, we were able to purchase and install a picnic bench with parasol, secure a storage box with children’s toys and picnic blankets, and the garden has been really well received by members of the public."

For more information and to apply, visit the council's website.

The fund is part of Wigan Council's 'Progress with Unity' approach, which centres around partnership work with communities.