A share of £100,000 is being offered to community groups and young people to be used for environmentally-friendly projects.

Groups can apply for up to £5,000 from the grant, which is being given out by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) as part of its Circular Economy Call to Action Fund.

The authority has teamed up with Bloomberg Philanthropies to set up a separate pot for 15 to 24-year-olds, the Youth Climate Action Fund, which offers grants of up to £2,500.

“There are so many brilliant things happening in our communities to make them greener, healthier and more resilient,” West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said.

He added: “From planting trees and encouraging people to walk and cycle, to repairing rather than throwing things away.

“These may seem like small things but they are making a big difference to people’s lives and helping to create a real sense of pride in these neighbourhoods.

“I’m all for that, so I’m getting behind these community groups with the funding and expertise they need to get more great ideas off the ground and widen their impact.”

Projects need to have a focus on improving air quality, helping communities adapt to climate change or restoring nature across Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Walsall, Dudley, Birmingham, Solihull and Coventry.

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