Cash grants have been made available to groups looking to make the most of the Tour of Britain's return to Norfolk.

Breckland Council is inviting organisations within the district to bid for funding of up to £500 to help them hold events or workshops which are inspired by the 2015 Tour of Britain.

The one-off grants aim to enable groups to hold activities which bring together communities, encourage visitors to the area, and help the district celebrate the UK's largest free-to-view sporting event.

Activities could include family sports days, art workshops – such as making bunting to line the route – cycling- themed film screenings, community fairs and barbeques, and celebration events with sports clubs.

The events supported by the grants will take place between August 29 and September 12 – the fortnight leading up to the Tour coming to the district.

Lynda Turner, Breckland Council's executive member for communities, environmental services and democratic services, said: 'I'm delighted that we are able to offer this support to local groups to help them make the most of this fantastic sporting spectacle's return to the district.

'We hope these grants will enable organisations to hold a diverse mix of events which really show off the best about their town or village and encourage everybody to turn out to cheer on the cyclists and to have a good time.'

Groups interested in applying for Breckland Council grant funding can do so online or by downloading and printing the application form from www.breckland.gov.uk/tobgrant. For more information, call Stefan Clifford, Breckland's communities officer, on 01362 656336.