Croydon's cycling groups could receive a £5,000 boost this year - thanks to a volunteer-led charity.

The London Cycling Campaign wants to turn the capital into a world-class cycling city.

With that aim in mind, the group launched this year's Community Cycling Fund for London grants scheme.

Anyone interested in setting up or developing a cycling project can ask for amounts of up to £5,000 for their projects, which can include anything from teaching people how to ride a bike to bike maintenance and setting up a community bike pool.

A spokeswoman for the London Cycling Campaign said: "Whatever your group's interest, we believe cycling can provide a wide range of activities to benefit all.

"Cycling has a part to play in unemployment, health, crime, regeneration, reducing dependency, community building, or tackling poor transport links.

"Cycling could also be linked to a wide range of community development issues.

"For example, groups involved in youth work, job training, local environmental improvements, health and fitness issues and leisure activities could all benefit from cycling-based projects."

The grants - which are distributed twice a year - are funded by Transport for London (TfL).

Other possible projects which could be eligible include the organisation of fun leisure rides, creating cycle facilities for better access to shops and buildings, or training the community in cycle-related skills.

The first round of funding will be open until Friday, February 22, and application forms can be downloaded from lcc.org.uk/community, where there is also more information about the scheme.

  • You can also request a copy of the application form by post, by calling 020 7234 9310.