WANTAGE MP Ed Vaizey is encouraging local charities and good causes to apply for more than £3 million of People’s Postcode Lottery funding.

Applications are open until February 20, with numerous groups eligible to apply for grants of between £500 and £20,000.

The financial support is available through three different trusts that are all funded entirely by players of the lottery.

The People’s Postcode Trust looks to fund projects that are aimed at promoting human rights, combatting discrimination and the prevention of poverty; the Postcode Community Trust supports initiatives working to improve the health and wellbeing of communities and the Postcode Local Trust want to hear from groups working on flood prevention measures and those looking to implement renewable energy strategies.

Mr Vaizey said: “Funding from People’s Postcode Lottery’s players makes a huge difference to thousands of good causes across the country. I know that there are many good causes in my constituency that would love a cash boost for a specific project. I therefore encourage any local charities or good causes who are looking for funding to apply as soon as possible.”

A minimum of 32 per cent from every People’s Postcode Lottery ticket goes directly to good causes, the organisation says.

For more information, to view the funding guides and to apply please visit postcodetrust.org.uk; postcodelocaltrust.org.uk or postcodecommunitytrust.org.uk