AN organisation set up to provide support and advice to town charities has opened its doors with a £20,000 fund.

Redditch Community Commonwealth consists of a number of charities and has been set up to help groups identify sources of funding to expand.

Organisations will be also be able to bid for a small grant from the Commonwealth to help with running costs.

Chief officer Simon Marshall said: "I'm delighted we now have an organisation that can help the community and voluntary sector secure funding, form partnerships and development joint working with the council and other institutions."

Commonwealth chairman Alan Fraser said: "The £20,000 fund for advice and guidance services is an excellent start for the Commonwealth and shows our commitment to supporting local groups."

The organisation has already identified more than £1 million in potential projects to support and has submitted bids for funding totalling £240,000.

Mr Fraser added: "We want as many local groups as possible to benefit from the work of the Commonwealth, which is all about supporting local community groups to grow."

For more details, call Mr Marshall on 592940.