Projects which promote eco-friendly travel around Essex could get a financial boost thanks to a council grant scheme.

The Forward Motion initiative has been launched to help voluntary organisations and community groups that support people who cycle, use public transport or walk.

The goal is to encourage people to think about alternatives to cars and is a collaboration between Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock Councils.

Councillor Andrew Moring, cabinet member for transport, said: “In our busy day-to-day modern lives it is often more convenient to jump into the car to commute or complete errands.

"But actually, cycling or walking can improve health and wellbeing and is a very cheap form of travel.

"In addition, cycling, walking and public transport are all more environmentally friendly ways of travelling.

“I would urge any local community project or group who feels their scheme meets the requirements, to apply for a grant of anything between £250 to £20,000 to help give their project the boost it deserves.”

More information about the scheme and the types of projects it supports, can be found at forwardmotionsouthessex.co.uk. The deadline for grant applications is Friday 1 March 2019 at 5pm.