GRANTS of up to £200 are up for grabs to Pendle community and voluntary groups hoping the develop their activities -- thanks to a new project coming to town.

Burnley-based co-operative company New Era has won new funding to expand its activities throughout the whole of Pendle, thanks to cash from the European Social Fund and private trusts.

It means there will be help on hand to enable local groups set up, develop new idea, win cash backing and manage projects.

New Era will be working through the new Building Communities Project and will also provide training for volunteers, paid staff and management committee members.

Project key worker Sue Hogg said: "We can also give grants of up to £200 to help smaller groups or those who may find it difficult to get money elsewhere, for example, if they are not a registered charity."

"I would encourage any group who is interested to get in touch, especially smaller, new groups, as well as any other networks or agencies who want to know more about us."

Sue, went on: "The ;project covers the whole of Pendle , not just certain areas, as is the case with some funding and can work with groups of any kind.

"We can also help individuals involved in community activity, volunteering or in paid work in the voluntary sector to develop their skills, qualifications and career plans in the sector."

Sue added: "New Era does a lot of work in Burnley, but has a number of members who live in Pendle -- I am a Colner born and bred-- and we are pleased to have secured this money to work in Pendle at last."