ORGANISATIONS are being invited to bid to win a share of £12,000 funding for projects aimed at improving Colchester Town Centre.

The new Create fund, launched by Our Colchester's Business Improvement District, will focus on supporting projects which boost the group's strategic aims of creating a welcoming environment, encouraging people to return to the town centre and increasing safety.

Applications will be open twice a year, with the first period running from today until June 30.

The second will open on September 30 and run for a month until October 30.

All of the applications will be reviewed by a judging panel of BID board and advisory group members, including BID Manager Sam Good.

Applications for those wishing to extend or add to existing projects will be considered.

Chris Morgan, board member, said: "I’m honoured to be given the chance to review applications for funding to the Our Colchester Create fund.

"I deal with many local entrepreneurs and creatives, some of whom present with some really great plans and ideas, so I will be encouraging each and every one of them to consider putting together a proposal for funding from the BID to make the town centre a more attractive place to visit.”

More information and the application form can be found at ourcolchester.co.uk/createfund or by emailing hello@ourcolchester.co.uk.