GROUPS in need of cash and expertise for community energy projects are being invited to bid for a share of a £2million fund.

GROUPS in need of cash and expertise for community energy projects are being invited to bid for a share of a £2million fund.

The Scottish Gas Green Streets campaign, backed by TV personality Ben Fogle, aims to encourage innovative and green energy projects.

Ben said: "The funding will give local people the chance to set up and run their own energy-saving schemes which will benefit entire communities.

"If you are looking at ways to help your community save energy and save money, Green Streets could give you a helping hand."

Any community group, with a focus on local renewable energy projects or energy efficiency improvements for both community and domestic buildings, can apply for Green Streets funding.

This can range from solar, wind, or hydro power to biomass, ground-source and air source heat pumps. Gearoid Lane, managing director of British Gas New Energy, said: "The Green Streets fund has been established in response to the increasing number of people who want to band together to save and generate their own energy and do their bit in the fight against climate change.

"We want to show local groups the carbon and financial savings they could enjoy by providing the funding, support and technical expertise needed to develop and implement their ideas. We know small groups can make a big difference and hope these projects will benefit their community for generations to come."

Projects will be judged according to their potential for energy efficiency savings across the entire community and on local renewable power generation.

Judges will also look at whether the schemes can engage an entire community through education in local schools and by mobilising the support of residents.

A shortlist of the best projects will be asked to pitch for funding in front of an expert judging panel, before being whittled down to a final dozen will be monitored by the independent Institute of Public Policy Research. The project crowned Britain's greenest community after a year stands to win a further £100,000 in funding from Scottish Gas.

Applications should be made online by August 31 by visiting www.britishgas.co.uk/greenstreets