Community groups, voluntary and charitable organisations and town and parish councils are being invited to apply for grants of up to �50,000 to help people in Norfolk live independently and maintain a good quality of life.

Norfolk County Council's �1.56m Living Well in the Community Fund is available for communities which are trying to help people aged 16 and above to live independently.

The council says wide range of projects and activities will be considered for the cash and could include programmes to promote fitness and wellbeing, practical help to help people who might otherwise struggle to continue to live in their own homes and support for people looking for work.

Applications are open for grants of between �500 and �50,000. which will be awarded over four funding rounds over the next year.

The first deadline for applications is Wednesday, February 29 and groups which have applied before this date will discover if they have been successful next month.

For more information about the Living Well in the Community Fund, and to apply online, visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/livingwell

Those who are unable to apply online can request a paper application form by ringing 0344 800 8020.