COMMUNITIES in Northwich and Winsford can apply for up to £500 of council cash to help them put on a celebration for the Coronation of King Charles III.

The Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort will take place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6, and many communities are looking to mark the historic occasion.

As such celebration events may be organised over the coronation weekend between May 6 and May 8, which is an additional bank holiday, as well as throughout the coronation year.

And to help communities celebrate, each existing Cheshire West and Chester ward councillor has budget of £500 to support activities in their ward and/or the wider borough.

Applications are now open with applicants able to apply for a maximum of £500 and minimum of £100 per project, per ward councillor.

Cllr Carol Gahan, cabinet member for finance and legal, said: “The council considers the coronation to be an important and monumental occasion for the residents of the borough.

"We are delighted to be able to offer funding for our communities to come together in celebration of the event.

"An additional budget allocation has been made available to each existing ward councillor to support community-based activity in recognition of the year of the coronation.

"We look forward to the celebrations and seeing community spirit in action."

Applications will be considered from groups who show they are providing a community-based activity in recognition of the year of the coronation.

Funding applications close on March 22. Payments for successful applications will start to be released on April 3.

For guidance on how to plan an event and to apply for funding, visit the council website.

If organisers want to discuss a potential funding application, contact your local communities team at NorthwichWinsfordLocality@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk or RuralLocality@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.