COMMUNITY groups in York have been urged to apply for a share of funding and support from one of the country's oldest building societies.

Donations of £500 have already been given out to 160 groups around the region, under Skipton Building Society's Grassroots Giving scheme, with still more to be allocated this year.

Mark Banyard, Branch Manager at Skipton’s York branch said: “We had an unbelievable number of applications for Grassroots Giving in 2013. We were overwhelmed by the number of community groups and projects which put themselves forward – in fact, more than 1,000 organisations applied.

“Even more surprising was the number of votes cast for our shortlisted groups. Almost 20,000 people took the time to go online to support their favourite group. What a superb effort by these community-minded supporters. Now it’s time to tell the UK that Grassroots Giving is ready to launch for 2014, and this time we’re going one better with 161 cash donations of £500 going to organisations around the country when judging and voting is finally complete in November.”

Applications are available online, and groups must show how the funding would make a difference to them before July 31.

For more information go to skiptongrg.co.uk or follow @SkiptonBS_GrG on Twitter.