RESIDENTS have until the end of the week to take advantage of a special grant-giving scheme to celebrate cultural diversity.

The Community Grants Scheme, launched by Worcestershire County Council, gives small voluntary and community groups the chance to promote their culture and raise awareness of different religions.

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

Rukhsana Koser, the county council's corporate diversity manager, said: "This is a unique opportunity for groups and organisations to celebrate cultural diversity and create opportunities for communities to experience and take part in activities around cultural diversity.

"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."

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 this year.

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

For more information visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/equality or call 01905 766938.