Cultural and creative events in Colchester have received a funding boost after a new support scheme was set up by Colchester Council.

£30,000 has been made available via the council’s cultural and creative events fund –with £20,000 coming from the council and a further £10,000 coming from its project partner, the NHS North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group.

The money will support public events that showcase creative talent and raise awareness of the town’s heritage.

Registered charities and community organisations can submit funding applications which could grant them up to £1,500, with applications closing on Monday February 7.

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Councillor Darius Laws, portfolio holder for economy, business and heritage for Colchester Council said he hopes to support cultural events after a difficult two years.

He said: "Enabling culture and creativity to thrive across the borough is an integral component of the new Cultural Strategy.

"I’m looking forward to reviewing all the applications and supporting great events throughout the coming year.

"It’s fantastic to be partnering with our NHS clinical commissioning group in this way to ensure we can spread the benefits of creativity and culture to even more audiences and participants."