REDDITCH groups with arty ideas are being encouraged to apply for county council funding after the town missed out on a share of cash.

A total of £3,180 in the latest round of First Base grants has been shared between projects in Wychavon, Malvern Hills and Bromsgrove but Redditch, along with Worcester and Wyre Forest, was not included.

Worcestershire County Council's arts service is now keen to make sure people know about the First Base scheme and apply for the next round of funding.

First Base offers grants to small groups and organisations that "create new opportunities for communities to enjoy creative pursuits."

It was set up in response to a need for initial funding to allow arts groups to develop their projects and seek further cash from other organisations.

County council assistant Cabinet member for cultural and community services Councillor Steven Clee said: "Anyone who has experienced fund-raising will know the hardest funds to find are those first crucial pounds and that's where First Base really comes into its own.

"I'm sure there are many groups with creative ideas in Redditch and hopefully we'll be receiving lots of applications from the area in time for the next round of grants.

"We have a lot of talented and creative people in our county and I want to encourage them to see the county council as a source of support for taking those first steps."

The next deadline for applications will be July 25.

For more details, call Anne Langford on 01905 728665.