Events are set to take place across west Dorset to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War – and funding is available to help make them happen.

As the 100th anniversary of the end of the war approaches, West Dorset District Council wants to encourage commemorations to take place in the area.

Council chairman, Cllr Peter Shorland, has created a grant fund.

He said: “We invite community groups and town and parish councils to apply for grants of between £250 and £500.

“We have a total budget of £10,000, so this pot of money can really make a difference to a multitude of grassroots projects.

“Perhaps you are part of a group that is looking to create events or activities remembering the end of the war, or your town/ parish council or local school has a need for funding support.

“Please do get in touch to find out if we can help you achieve your goals.”

Only one grant can be awarded per organisation or project and applicants are encouraged to raise partnership funding, although it is not essential to do so.

As well as council grants, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has a national grant scheme, ‘First World War: Then and Now’, offering grants of between £3,000 and £10,000 for larger projects which the district council can contribute to.

A spokesman for the HLF said: “The First World War affected millions across the globe and shaped the world we live in.

“The centenary is a chance to understand the war better, uncover its stories and explore what it means to us today.

“Everyone should have the chance to discover more about the war and mark the centenary.

“That’s why we are providing this special grant programme for community projects.

“You can apply at any time up to 2019. We also provide grants of more than £10,000 for First World War projects through Our Heritage, Young Roots and Heritage Grants.”

To apply for a WDDC grant, applications must be submitted by June 11 and decisions will be made on the July 13.

Your project must take place in 2018.

Other areas in Dorset have already acted to Commemorate the anniversary.

Linda Bearpark and Ben Parry from Charmouth, have set up a poppy appeal throughout the village to remember those who lost their lives in all wars and in past years.

The pair have raised money to get poppies put on lampposts and hope to raise enough for a silent soldier sculpture to be put in the centre of Charmouth.