OKEHAMPTON and Tavistock are to benefit as NatWest announces an £18,000 fund to help the local community.

The bank launched the new initiative CommunityForce to help local charities, organisations and groups raise publicity for their work and attract volunteers. The programme also provides local charities and community projects with the opportunity to receive part of the £18,000 funding dedicated to the area through CommunityForce awards.

The initiative sees the creation of 158 individual CommunityForce areas across the UK and in each one NatWest is offering three local projects the chance to win awards of £6,000 each.

One of these 158 funds is available to organisations in and around Okehampton and Tavistock.

Organisations and charities can apply for a CommunityForce award between now and September 4 2011. An on-line public vote will then decide on the three organisations to each receive a £6,000 award, ensuring the projects which are recognised are those that local people feel will benefit the community most.

Stuart Hare, the newly appointed local CEO for NatWest in the region said: 'NatWest has a long and proud history of supporting the community in the area and I'm delighted that one of my first tasks in my new role is to launch CommunityForce locally.

'Giving the community the chance to vote for the award winners will ensure these funds go to the organisations local people value the most. CommunityForce is part of our ongoing commitment to support the communities where we live and work; not just by donating funds, but also through volunteering our time and expertise.'

To find out more about CommunityForce or to submit an application for an award, visit http://www.natwest.com/communityforce">www.natwest.com/communityforce