Palmers Brewery in Bridport is calling for applications to its new good causes fund.

The Palmers Brewery Fund is now open for applications and has £10,000 in its first year to distribute within West Dorset.

Local charities and initiatives can apply for cash and awards will be made twice a year. The deadline for applications is 1 May and 1 November.

John Palmer, chairman of Palmers Brewery, said: ‘Palmers is one of the most historic independent family brewers in the UK and we are very proud to be part of the local community in Dorset. The Fund is the latest in a long line of initiatives to support our area.

‘We welcome applications from non-political organisations including sports clubs, youth groups, arts projects, schools, heritage initiatives and wildlife and conservation organisations that are based in the area and benefit life in West Dorset.’

For more information and to download an application form, visit the Fund section of the Palmers Brewery website. You can also pick up a form in person from the Brewery office in West Bay Road, Bridport.

Palmers have won a national award from the Society of Independent Brewers Association (SIBA) for their community support. In the last three years alone they have given nearly £40,000 to the RNLI, Somerset & Dorset Air Ambulance and the Chesil Trust to support sailing for the young and disadvantaged.