VOLUNTARY and community groups are being invited to apply for a share of £34,800 of one-off grants from Forest of Dean District Council.

Two funding pots are open for applications with £19,800 available from the council's Community Grants scheme and £15,000 of NHS Health Inequalities funding.

Groups can apply for Community Grant funding to help develop "stronger and more joined-up communities."

The Health Inequalities funding is available for voluntary sector, community organisations and sports clubs in the district to create a lasting Olympic legacy, encouraging more people to become active and improve their physical and mental health.

Cllr Terry Hale, cabinet member for the community, said: "We're very pleased to be able to invite groups from across the Forest of Dean district to apply for this funding.

"In our last round of grants we had 53 applications with 22 organisations getting a share of the grant funding available. We hope just as many applications, if not more, will come in for this round of grants."

The closing date for Health Inequalities funding applications is Friday, September 14 2012 with a deadline of Friday, September 28 for the Community Grants applications.

•Application packs are available from the council's website at http://www.fdean.gov.uk">www.fdean.gov.uk. Alternatively you can contact the Community Engagement team on 01594 812617.