ENTERING this Dragon’s Den you might not be facing Duncan Bannatyne or Hilary Devey, but it could still net a tidy sum for projects aimed at benefitting the community.

The Rotary Club of Rainhill is inviting bids for cash, raised through activities, including a beer festival and Christmas street collections.

Last year £6,650 was given to successful bidders after more than 30 applications for funding were submitted by local organisations and individuals.

Selected bidders were invited to make a presentation, then the club granted 10 applications of £500 each and six for between £200 and £400.

Organisations benefitting included St Helens Stroke Club, Perth Community Centre in Thatto Heath, St Helens Girls Rugby Club and the Mature Billingers’ Group.

The organiser of 2013’s Dragon’s Den, Alan Buckley said: “The club already backs many charities, groups and individuals in the community.

“But the first two events confirmed what we suspected – there are even more worthy causes out there that the Rotary Club is not aware of, just as there are many people battling to raise funds who would have never thought of approaching their local Rotary Club for backing.”

To apply complete an application form, which can be downloaded from rainhillrc.

freeserve.co.uk, or call Alan Buckley on 07800 753407.

Completed forms must be returned by March 1. Each application will be considered by a committee before selected bids are invited to make a presentation. Cheques will be presented to successful applicants on April 18.