There are less than two weeks left for Burton, Uttoxeter and Staffordshire charities, groups and projects to put themselves forward to be part of a £300,000 funding scheme.

The People Power Fund is run by Staffordshire police and crime commissioner Matthew Ellis, who will select groups to receive between £100 and £3,000 to go towards their cause.

Applications need to be submitted by Thursday, September 14 for groups to receive the backing from People Power.

Mr Ellis said: "The commissioner's People Power Fund puts £300,000 back into local communities and is easy and simple to apply for. It's about local ideas to sort out local issues like antisocial behaviour. If you've got a good idea, the People Power Fund may be able to help to achieve it.

"If you are a community group with good ideas to cut crime or make your area safer go to the website now to find out more."

Police and crime commissioner for Staffordshire Matthew Ellis
Staffordshire police and crime commissioner Matthew Ellis

More than 330 projects, groups and charities from across Burton, Uttoxeter and Staffordshire have received funding from the scheme in the last two years, including Fishing in Safe Hands.

The weekly angling coaching at Barton fishpond, in Barton under Needwood, received £2,000 to help with the group which offers support through fishing to young people who have problems at school or are at risk of being involved in antisocial behaviour.

Chairman of Fishing in Safe Hands, John Anderson, said: "Fishing in Safe Hands is the only angling coaching club in Burton and we go way beyond angling coaching. We get hundreds of young people out into the countryside and help many to get back on track in their lives by encouraging family and community values.

"We also support many young people before they stray too far from the path by early intervention through our links with local schools. This in turn encourages public confidence."

Anybody who wants any further information about the People Power Fund or who would like to find an application form, can visit online www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/fund.

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