County councillors will get community grants to fund projects under a initiative which launches this month.

Weston Mercury: Cllr Peter Clayton meeting with owner Craig Harris and handler Grace Hammond.Picture: MARK ATHERTONCllr Peter Clayton meeting with owner Craig Harris and handler Grace Hammond.Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

The Improving Lives Grants Scheme has been created to support voluntary and grass-roots initiatives which help communities thrive in the area.

Somerset county councillors can award up to four grants using their awarded £2,000, three of which reside in the Mercury area.

Groups include those which help to reduce social isolation, give parenting support, enhance emotional health, wellbeing and more.

The £110,000 of investment gifted to 12 Somerset county councillors comes from the authority's £1m Prevention Fund.

Leader of the council, David Fothergill, said: "Our members understand their communities and these grants will give them some financial muscle to make a real impact."

For more information, visit www.somerset.gov.uk