A charity has opened its latest funding round for projects aimed at making communities more energy resilient.

In its first year, The Northern Powergrid Foundation supported 60 initiatives, providing up to £20,000 per project to tackle energy-related issues.

A wide range of proposals are considered from offering free energy efficiency measures to fuel-poor households, installing solar panels at community hubs, enhancing resilience during power cuts, and supporting power-related emergency events.

One recipient of last year's funding was the Dipton Jubilee Centre in County Durham.

Solar panels and storage batteries have been installed there, paving the way for clean, cost-efficient energy while serving as a warm hub for residents in need.

Trustee at Dipton Community Association, Graham Sinclair, said: "During previous power outages we couldn’t open the centre, leaving many residents with nowhere to go.

"With Northern Powergrid Foundation funding, this allowed us to put in a solar panel system and battery back-up, creating resilience for our energy supply and allowing us to become more self-sufficient.

"It gives us peace of mind that we can now open the centre and be a hub for our community and emergency services if and when they need us.”

Applications for the latest round of funding are open until May 13.