There is a new events grant scheme to help support town centre businesses and encourage free community events.

The closing date for applications is November 22.

The money comes from the Dover District Council’s Additional Restrictions Grant fund that has been provided by central government.

Cllr Chris Vinson, council cabinet member for finance, said: "DDC recognises that bringing well organised events into our town centres raises footfall and supports local businesses by giving them the chance to do more trade as well as showcase their offer to more people.

“We also appreciate that due to the lockdown and social distancing some events had to be scaled back significantly or cancelled altogether.

"Now that restrictions have eased, we are pleased to assist local organisers in this way, to help them make the most of their events, and to help make those that may already have been planned even bigger and better.”

To apply, your organization must be registered with either Companies House or the Charity Commission, and have run town centre events previously.

Events can be held in the remainder of 2021 or in 2022, and should significantly raise footfall in the town centres of Dover, Deal or Sandwich.

They should be free for the community to attend, and be registered with and approved by DDC’s event planning team, see dover.gov.uk/events

Organisers and participants are reminded to keep following the latest Government coronavirus advice to stay safe.

To apply for a Town Centre Events Grant see the DDC website dover.gov.uk/tcevents

Read more: All the latest news from Dover