LDA announces £30m fund for community groups

Targeting groups including people with disabilities and ethnic minorities, the fund is primarily aimed at skills and regeneration projects run by charities, volunteer and other locally run groups.

With money available between 2007 and 2010, projects fall within four key themes.

One section is earmarked for groups who will ensure local communities are engaged in, contribute to and benefit from the 2012 Games.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone said: "London's continued economic vibrancy coupled with our preparation for the 2012 Games means there are a wealth of opportunities for Londoners, but we have to ensure they are open to the capital's diverse communities.

"This fund will harness the tremendous ability, enthusiasm and ingenuity of groups throughout the capital to deliver those opportunities to people and areas that need it the most."

This is the second consecutive year the Opportunities Fund has been run, with allocations from last year set to help over 20,000 individuals and 6,000 over the next three years.

13 September 2006

Read more on the London Development Agency website