Devon community groups helping people through the colder months can apply for grants of up to £5,000.

National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) is making funding available for warm hubs, village halls and other community organisations supporting households this winter.

The money can be used to support warm spaces or improve the energy efficiency of community buildings where they are hosted.

Groups can also apply for funding to distribute items including blankets, insulated curtains and draught excluders, visit isolated households to help make homes warmer and more energy efficient, or provide advice on energy tariffs, saving energy and fuel poverty support.

Registered charities and non-profit organisations can apply for individual grants of up to £5,000 through NGED's Community Matters Fund. Constituted charitable organisations without a charity number can apply for grants of up to £2,000.

NGED is making £500,000 available through the fund this autumn.

Andlyn White, NGED's Social Impact Business Partner, said: "As we head into winter, we recognise the important role community organisations play in supporting people through challenging circumstances, which is why energy affordability continues to be a focus of our winter funding programme."

"By supporting organisations that are deeply connected to their local communities, we help ensure practical support reaches those who need it most."

Applications close at 5pm on Friday, October 16.

Additional support is available for people who may need extra help during a power cut through the Priority Services Register.

Applications can be made via the Community Matters Fund application page.

Organisations that complete applications will be informed of the outcome by mid-November, with funding distributed to successful applicants before December.

Projects must be delivered, and funding spent, by March 31 2027.

The Community Matters Fund has awarded more than £12 million to more than 2,100 grassroots organisations since its launch.