Grants of up to £500 are available to good causes in the Welshpool area, a charity says.

The Burgess' Trust, a charity which was set up in 1761 to provide income to support the running cost and repair of the Town Council's buildings, says groups with a membership of 70% or more in the local area can apply for the grants, provided they are involved in the care of the young, old people and people with disabilities.

A spokesperson said: "The second objective of the charity provides for the relief of the poor and needy, which nowadays covers people of any age with disabilities and the young or elderly.

"The trust cannot make grants to groups or organisations that operate solely outside the area. However, groups or organisations with members from within the Burgesses' land area also have members from outside are eligible to make a grant application provided that those living outside the area do not exceed 30% of the group membership.

"The trust cannot make grants to individuals or businesses and only to groups or organisations involved in the care of the young, old people and people with disabilities that solely or partially in the Burgesses' land area. "

Anyone interested in making an application, should contact Welshpool Town Council at Triangle House, Union Street, Welshpool or telephone 01938 553142 for an application form.