COMMUNITY groups in Dorset have been invited to lay their claim to £25,000 cash up for grabs.

The Weymouth and Portland Partnership is inviting applications for the Community Plan grants for 2008 to 2009.

The £25,000, from the Dorset Strategic Partnership, is for projects designed to improve the quality of life for the area's residents.

They must address priorities identified in the Weymouth and Portland Community Plan and the Dorset Community Strategy such as promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness of the implications of climate change.

Last year funding was given to 10 local projects including the underpass project which received £1,750 to pay for a workshop run by a local artist for young people to design and paint a mural on the underpass on the seafront.

Chairman of the partnership Duncan Fergusson said: "This is a golden opportunity for the community to contribute to the delivery of the community plan and for people of energy and vision to make things happen."

The Weymouth and Portland Partnership represents over 90 local organisations.