SMALL businesses in Dorset are being urged to apply for Covid grants to support them through the pandemic.

Almost £145 million of funding is available across the south west, which is made up of £119 million through the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant scheme and £26 million through the Additional Restrictions Grant scheme.

Small business minister, Paul Scully said: "We have provided more than £22 billion worth of grants across England to support businesses and livelihoods during the pandemic but there is still £145 million of funding available in the south west.

"I'm urging eligible firms to contact their council to claim all the support they’re entitled to so they can recover and thrive into the future."