TIME is running out for Worcestershire groups to get special funding to celebrate cultural diversity.

Worcestershire County Council's Community Grants Scheme has been set up to give small voluntary and community groups and organisations the chance to promote their culture and raise people's awareness of different religions.

The council has £10,000 to award in grants of up to £500 between now and March next year.

Groups and organisations are invited to apply for a slice of the money, which must be used to fund celebratory events around occasions, including festivals, special holidays, food, music, dance, cultural preferences and traditions.

Rukhsana Koser, the county council's corporate diversity manager, said: "We often receive requests for financial support from groups and organisations wanting to celebrate cultural diversity and this brand new scheme will enable them to do just that.

"We're keen for as many people as possible to take advantage of the scheme and are looking forward to help make events that will raise the level of knowledge and understanding between different cultures and religions throughout the county, happen."

Councillor Philip Gretton, the county council's cabinet member for adult and community services, said: "We recognise the value people place on their own special cultures, traditions and religions and this scheme, which is open to all, will enable even more residents to raise people's awareness of what is important to them."

The grants are being allocated in two rounds. Applications for the first round must be submitted by Saturday (September 29), with the successful applications being announced in October.

The Council will launch its wider grants programme for voluntary and community sector organisations in March next year.

For more information pick up a leaflet from the receptions at County Hall and Wildwood, visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/equality, or call Rukhsana Koser on 01905 766938.

Alternatively, write to Preeti Sehmi, Equality and Diversity Team, ACS, Worcestershire County Council, Spetchley Road, Worcester, WR5 2NP.