A community-owned charity is appealing for your support to win a share of £25,000 of funding towards allotment projects.

The Prospects Foundation, an environmental oganisation run by volunteers in Hyndburn, is in the running for funds through the Aviva Community Fund.

The money would go towards facilitating local food growing and allotments projects and setting up an ‘abundance hub’ where excess produce could be given to people in need, rather than going to waste.

Voting for funding opened last month and now representatives from Prospects are urging locals to back their bid before it closes on Friday, November 18, after which the projects with the most votes will become finalists.

Alison Silver, Prospects funding co-ordinator, said: “We have submitted an entry into the ‘environment’ category. From the community food growing site in Oswaldtwistle, Prospects would also deliver training around food growing, healthy eating, preserving and cooking skills.

“It will also act as the community hub for the donation and collection of excess locally grown fruit and veg.

"The programme will be open to all but will particularly target disadvantaged communities and marginalised groups across Hyndburn.”

Mike Stapleford, Prospects charity manager, added: “This project is about being green, about being sustainable, about being aware and showing we care for our environment and our neighbours.

"Hyndburn is one of the most deprived districts in the country and has higher than the national averages for obese children, adults who smoke and incapacity benefit for mental illnesses.

"Creating direct links with food banks and luncheon clubs means that their clients/service users will have access to more good fresh produce through the abundance hub.

“We believe this innovative approach will stimulate an interest in food growing, re-ignite people’s interest in cooking and provide access to healthy greens where they are needed most.

"Altogether we aim to create a local fresh food network, change people’s attitudes and perceptions to eating green and make a difference to people’s wellbeing.”

To vote, visit community-fund.aviva.co.uk/voting/project/view/16-1212 before November 18. Each person gets 10 votes.