Residents in Northumberland, Newcastle, and North Tyneside will be able to bring their community ideas to life as the Crowdfund North of Tyne returns for the fourth year.

The crowdfund is supported by the North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA) with a £300,000 investment.

Through the initiative, grants guaranteed anywhere between £1,000 and £30,000 will be accessible to businesses, charities and community interest groups.

Jamie Driscoll, mayor of North of Tyne, said: "Crowdfund North of Tyne is different to any other funding scheme out there.

"It puts power back in the hands of communities.

"We’re giving people the opportunity to create projects which celebrate and improve their local areas."

Crowdfund North of Tyne is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Since its inception, Crowdfund North of Tyne has supported 62 projects.

These projects include rebuilding neglected spaces into community allotments, supporting community beekeeping activities, and establishing accessible beach facilities for wheelchair users.

Projects must be based in Northumberland, Newcastle or North Tyneside and demonstrate public support for the idea, by crowdfunding part of the costs through the online platform, Space Hive.

Decisions will be taken based on the number of community backers, and not the raised amount.

Mayor Driscoll added: "Originally, we were pledging around 50% funding for each project.

"But we saw that those communities most in need, were those struggling most with the cost-of-living crisis.

"We listened and now we fund up to 90% of the project costs. If you can prove your community backs your idea, we’ll fund it. It’s as simple as that.

"I want to reach people who might not usually apply for help. All you need is one bright idea to get started and my team will help you with the rest."

Andy Haddon, founder of Big River Bakery, and a recipient of the funding, said the funding they received helped them get the ball rolling on National Stottie Week.

Mr Haddon added: "We wouldn't have got anywhere near where we needed to without the pledge from Crowdfund North of Tyne, it really helped get us over the line and in fact, lots more companies have come forward since we hit our target to ask how they can get involved and I think it will grow even more."

Applicants are advised to apply from 10.30am on February 6 until 5pm on March 22.

Further details and a guide to crowdfunding can be found on SpaceHive at http://tinyurl.com/2s3us8p8.

A free online event are also open for February 6 at 10.30am and February 29 from 12 noon.