COUNCIL chiefs are offering community groups, and charities the chance to win up to £4,000 as part of Dragons' Den-style event.

Groups are being called upon by Winchester City Council to pitch their innovative WINnovation ideas for projects which will benefit residents.

Last year £15,000 was handed out by council chiefs to groups including KIDS, which provides a wide range of support services to disabled children, young people and their families. The money awarded to them enabled training sessions for young facilitators in the Winchester area.

WINnovation judges say they are looking for idea delivered in an entrepreneurial way, that are innovative, engaging, capacity building or which enhance the organisation's strategic development.

Community groups, registered charities and not-for-profit voluntary organisation are invited to bid enter.

The grants are being supported by Steve Abley, the organiser of the Tent on the Green event which is held in the grounds of Winchester Cathedral.

Councillor Steve Miller, portfolio holder for estates and community grants, said: "This is a unique event where organisations can walk away at the end of the evening knowing what they have been awarded. It’s also a good opportunity for applicants to find out about what is happening in their local community and to make new connections."

The deadline for applications to is noon on October 17, with the grant decisions being made at the special Dragon’s Den-style event in November at the Marwell Hotel. The panel will score the pitches on the night and awards will be made at a short ceremony at the end of the evening.

For more information about the grants, visit the Winchester City Council website www.winchester.gov.uk/community/grants/winnovation.