A HAMPSHIRE MP is urging firms to bid for a Government funding boost.

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage, pictured, wants local businesses and voluntary organisations to apply for funding from the Coastal Communities Fund.

This supports economic development in the UK’s coastal communities, to create growth and jobs.

Ms Dinenage said that businesses from Gosport, Lee-on-the-Solent and Hill Head could all benefit.

She said: “For this round the Government has added coastal flood recovery and risk management to priority areas for the fund.

“We’ve all seen the incredibly destructive power of flooding recently, and I welcome this move to focus on coastal protections.”

Applications must be by April 30 by calling the Big Lottery Advice line on 0845 410 20 30 or emailing ccf@bigfund.org.uk.