Keighley volunteers are being urged to help the town get its fair share of lottery cash.

A special meeting is being organised to tell voluntary and community groups how to apply for the money.

Members of any group in the Keighley area can attend the informal get-together on Thursday morning.

A dozen places are left for the session organised jointly by Keighley Voluntary Services (KVS), Bradford council and the National Lotteries Charities Board.

The cash pot is called Awards For All and has been simplified in a bid to attract bids from a wider range of groups.

Separate funds for arts, sport, heritage and community work have been combined into a "one-stop shop".

Grants of between £500 and £5,000 are available to small groups, particularly those with an income of less than £15,000 each year.

KVS director Caroline Schwaller says the scheme is open to schools and parish councils as well as the voluntary sector.

Sue Tuffin, the regional development officer for the Lottery Charities Board, will be on hand to explain the system and answer questions.

Caroline adds: "It's an essential opportunity for local organisations. They will be told who can apply and how to apply.

"It may be groups who are not ready to go for the main lottery grants but need a bit of start-up money, for example for a feasibility study or equipment."

Caroline says few Keighley groups have applied for Awards For All money in the past. "We have lots of interesting possibilities in the town, but people have to apply," she adds.

The meeting will be held on Thursday (9.30am-noon) in Keighley College's Swire Smith Hall. Anyone interested in attending should phone KVS on 01535 665258.