GROUPS in Wiltshire with a plan to bring military and civilian communities together are being encouraged to bid for government funding.

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund provides financial backing for projects including those designed to cement stronger ties and mutual understanding between members of the armed forces and the wider community.

Last year Wiltshire groups successfully bid for more than £140,000 worth of funding for a number of diverse projects.

This year one of the key strands again is local grants of up to £20,000 for community integration and delivery of local services.

Draft funding application forms can be emailed to Wiltshire Council officers who will provide guidance and support for the groups bidding for up to £20,000 each.

Applications for the next round of funding open in mid-February and applicants are encouraged to contact Wiltshire Council by emailing corporatebusinesssupport@wiltshire.gov.uk for guidance and support before submitting a bid.

Jonathon Seed, chair of the Wiltshire Local Covenant Partnership and Wiltshire Council cabinet member, said: “Wiltshire is preparing to welcome 4,000 service personnel and their families into the county by 2019 as part of the Army Basing Programme.

“This increased military presence will bring many benefits and it will become more important than ever to ensure good relations between civilian and military communities.

“The best ideas come from the communities themselves and we’d encourage groups to bid for this funding and help promote positive relations between the military and civilians.

“I would also encourage local groups working with business and veterans or relocated spouses to share their ideas with us so we can provide the advice and support to prepare their bid for the next round of funding.”