ENTREPRENEURS and community groups in Lancashire are being urged to step forward for their share of £1 million available to get more people into jobs and training.

Launched last month, the new fund Lancashire grants for growth' is run by Lancashire County Developments Ltd, the county council's economic development company.

County Cllr Niki Penney, chairman of LCDL, says the initiative has the potential to make a real impact' in the county.

"We want groups to come forward with project ideas to help us to make this scheme a real success story the money is there and available so please make use of it."

Up to £6,000 a time is available to com-munity organisations across Lancashire for projects that either create jobs directly or put people on courses that lead them towards employment.

The money can even be used to set up new businesses that will benefit local communities.

The funding comes from the European Social Fund with Lancashire providing match funding to create an opportunity to help local people gain skills and, ultimately, work throughout the county.

The scheme is aimed at helping disadvantaged people take advantage of opportunities in employment, training, education or volunteering.

To find out more, call Colette Taylor on 01772-551896.