A GRANT scheme that supports the development of arts and heritage opportunities is being extended to help people commemorate the First World War.

With this year marking the centenary since the start of the First World War, West Oxfordshire District Council is encouraging local communities to apply for grants up to £500 to help with commemorative projects.

Community groups and organisations can contact the district council with their ideas, which may include projects such as tree planting, floral displays, plaques or benches.

The funding is being made available from the council’s Community Activities Grants scheme which groups and organisations can also bid for to help with projects to develop arts or heritage opportunities.

Councillor Richard Langridge, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “We are making a special exception this year to offer financial support to local communities who want to do something to mark this significant milestone in world history.

“The council is proud to support local communities in this way and we look forward to receiving ideas and seeing the projects come to fruition.”

Events and commemorative projects are taking place across the country to mark the centenary.

In Chipping Norton, the rotary club in conjunction with the Town Council, is holding an Act of Commemoration on Sunday, August 3 on the steps of the town hall at 10.30am.

As well as prayers for the fallen, there will be a war poetry reading, accounts from soldiers of the time and music from the Chipping Norton Silver Band.

The deadline for grant applications is Wednesday, April 23.

For details or to download an application form, visit westoxon.gov.uk/communities or call 01993 861080.