Local community groups are invited to apply for a grant of up to £750.

Ludlow Rotary Cares is the name of Ludlow Rotary Club’s annual scheme aimed at supporting community life in and around Ludlow by offering modest grants to local charities and organisations. For this year the maximum grant available has been increased from £500 to £750.

Over the past nine years the Ludlow Rotary Club has been able to invest more than £45,000 in almost 100 local community projects through this scheme from funds it has raised.

Last year's recipients included the Ludlow Supports Refugees Group which helps families fleeing from the war in Ukraine, the Ludlow Men’s Shed Project which aims to provide a social setting for men through involvement in DIY activity, and the South Shropshire Engineering Ambassadors which works with schools to promote an interest in engineering amongst children.

Speaking about the scheme, Alistair Thornley of Ludlow Rotary said: “The club intends to be very open-minded about the types of activities it will support so long as the project or programme responds to a community need in or within 15 miles of Ludlow and meets its criteria. What the club will need to understand is exactly what the money will be used for, who will benefit from it and how much difference it will make.”

He added: “The club is keen to hear from a wide range of organisations including those that have applied in the past or have been awarded grants in the past, so anyone involved in or are aware of one which might benefit, should take a look at our website at udlowrotaryclub.org.uk and follow the link to download an application form.”

Organisations which meet the criteria will need to get their applications in by Sunday, April 21. Those shortlisted will be invited to an evening event at Ashford Carbonell Village Hall on Tuesday, May 14 at which they will be asked to explain their project for a few minutes to a small panel. There will also be an opportunity to meet other applicants as well as members of the Rotary Club.