Dudley North MP Ian Austin has invited local community groups to a special meeting with senior officials from the Big Lottery Fund to discuss how to make the best possible bid and what funds are available.

Austin called in the Big Lottery bosses because he was concerned that community groups in Dudley were getting less funding than other parts of the country.

The Big Lottery Fund gives charities and community groups the funds they need to expand and develop their work in the community.

The meeting will allow local community groups to talk face to face with officials from the Big Lottery Fund, as well as be given an in-depth workshop on how to make a successful bid and what different funds are available.

Ian Austin MP said:

“It's my job to fight for a better deal for local people and organisations here in Dudley. Local charities do a great job in our community and I want to make sure they're getting their fair share of lottery cash.”

"We have an amazing sense of civic duty in our town which is something that I for one am very proud of.  However, we need the investment to help us make the improvements we want to see.”