A FUND of £24,000 has been earmarked to support community groups and charities in the region after a building firm launched a £750,000 national kitty.

Persimmon Homes Wessex is today launching Persimmon Community Champions.

Groups are now able to apply for match funding of up to £1,000.

Managing director Steve Roche said: “This is an extremely proud day for the whole business.

“We have always supported charities but we have never come together with such a large pot of money.”

To apply for funding, visit persimmonhomes.com/ charity.