ORGANISATIONS planning Millennium celebrations will be able to get advice on how Bolton Council can help at a special event tonight.

The council is awarding grants of up to £1,000 to groups planning special events during the Year 2000.

Information packs containing essential advice for groups organising Millennium events will be available at the Awards for All evening in the Lancaster Suite, at Bolton Town Hall.

Rachel Clapham, Festival Fund Advisor for the New Millennium Experience Company, will be outlining how local groups can apply for up to £5,000 from the Millennium Commission. The event starts at 7pm.

Application forms will be available from April 1, and the closing date is September 30.

The council's civic affairs chairman Cllr Cliff Morris said: "The grants will be available to established groups and not individuals. The cash can be used towards street parties, hiring of artistes, equipment, decorations and refreshments.

"How much we can give will depend on the number of applications we receive.

"At present we have earmarked £20,000 for community grants.

"We hope community groups will take the initiative and get planning for the Millennium to make it a great year for everyone in the borough."

The Lottery-funded Millennium Festival is also inviting local groups seeking grants to register for the Awards for All scheme by telephoning 0870 600 2000.

All groups registering will receive an information pack next month outlining the application procedure.

Grants will be awarded to local and small voluntary organisations to celebrate the Millennium in their community.

Awards are available for projects that will bring lasting benefits to local people, and which have clear reasons for taking place in the Year 2000.

Organisations need to have a constitution and a bank account to be eligible for funding, and priority will be given to smaller organisations with an income of less than £15,000.

Grants of between £500 and £5,000 will be awarded.

Cllr Morris urged local groups to apply.

He said: "The more grants we can secure, the better the cel- ebrations."

Groups can get advice on filling in application forms from Karen Done, the council's lottery officer, on 01204 522311 Ext 1235, or from Saskia McGlyn at Bolton CVS on 01204 396011.

They can also join the Millennium mailing list by phoning the Millennium Office at Bolton Town Hall on ext 2000, 2001 or 1013.

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