THE public can start voting for their favourite projects in this year's Calor Rural Community Fund today.

Villages and hamlets off the mains gas grid have submitted their bids for a chance to win up to £5,000.

The fund aims to reward 21 deserving projects with grants from its £70,000 prize pot.

Andy Parker, Calor’s head of corporate affairs, said: "From wrestling clubs to second-hand community shops, there have been all sorts of varied and deserving projects come forward to apply for this year’s fund.

"As a company we are passionate about supporting rural communities. In the past two years we’ve seen the Calor Rural Community Fund contribute to numerous projects that have helped improve local life, including village hall refurbishments and new equipment for sporting and music groups."

Winners will be announced on July 18, 2019.

For more, see www.calor.co.uk/communityfund