Cash-strapped sports clubs can apply for a slice of a £70,000 grant to help buy new equipment or much-needed improvements to benefit the community.

Groups can request up to £6,000 but must be able to provide proof of the work they do to engage and involve people living in Hounslow, such as forming partnerships with schools or providing free coaching sessions.

The cash awards are from Hounslow Council's public health funding budget and will be offered in two rounds of funding, with awards made in October and December.

Councillor Ed Mayne, cabinet member for public health and leisure, said: “Sports clubs often find themselves strapped for cash for when they need to improve and build on facilities or buy equipment.

“We hope these grants will allow the clubs to spend money on these areas, leaving them free to sustain and expand their activities for the benefit of the rest of the community.”

The council's leisure partner, Fusion Lifestyle, are running the scheme which was launched on Friday (August 14).

The deadline for the first round of applications is September 11. A second round will be held in November.

Find online applications at Fusion Lifestyle.