MORE than 50 people from local organisations in and around Calne attended an advisory meeting to discuss grants available from the district council last week.

Martin West, chairman of North Wiltshire District Council's Area Five Committee, said the meeting was a huge success.

Many people had responded to a Gazette article highlighting that £50,000 was available for local groups.

Mr West said the committee decided to hold the meeting to inform people about available grants and how they should submit applications for funding.

Council officers were on hand for two hours to advise people of the best way of presenting their application to increase their chances of getting a grant.

Mr West said: "We were talking to people about how the process works and how to improve their chances of making a successful application."

He said Compton Bassett playgroup organisers were one example.

"They are struggling at the moment. If we don't help they could go under. Area five is here to help these kind of organisations."

"We can't support long term but we can give support when organisations need it the most. We help with support and training so they can become self sufficient."

Mr West said the most important thing was to establish contact with all the organisations.

"I will be contacting all the people that gave me their details. I am looking to move it forward, and keeping in contact with them.

"We have been the first area committee to be proactive and not reactive. We have gone to organisations rather than wait for them to come to us.

"I think other committees will follow our lead."