A pot of �30,000 has been made available for groups and organisations in Norfolk which want to celebrate events such as the Olympic Torch route through the county and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee weekend.

Norfolk County Council had launched the Norfolk Year of Celebrations 2012 Fund, open to community groups, town and parish councils.

Groups and organisations can bid for a maximum of �500 from the fund to mark the following sporting and cultural occasions: • The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Weekend (June 2 to 5).

• The Olympic Torch being run through Norfolk as part of the London 2012 Torch Relay (July 4 and 5).

• The Paralympic Torch Festival (August 28 and 29).

• The final weekend of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad (September 8 and 9).

• The planned return of the Tour of Britain cycle race (date to be confirmed in September).

The fund will help support costs associated directly with staging and promoting the event or activity, with Norfolk County Council looking for events and activities that are community focussed, accessible and open to everyone, which engage volunteers and leave a positive legacy.

James Carswell, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for cultural services, said: 'Whether it be related to the Diamond Jubilee, the Olympics, Paralympics, Cultural Olympiad, or an anticipated return of the Tour of Britain, this funding will help to stimulate and support an array of community activities throughout our county.

'2012 will be a year to remember for the whole country and we want to help communities to bring the party to Norfolk.'

Both the application form for funding from 'Norfolk's Year of Celebrations 2012 Fund' and an Event Planner, which includes information on road closures, risk assessments and marketing. can be downloaded at www.norfolk.gov.uk/events2012

The deadline for the first round of funding for 'Norfolk's Year of Celebrations 2012 Fund' is Friday, February 24, with the closing date for the second round on Friday. April 27.