THE BIG Bolton Fund, which helps community groups with grants, has been named as runner-up in a national award.

More than 700 entries were received in the Social Change Awards, and the BIG Bolton Fund (BBF), which is administered by Bolton Community and Voluntary Services, was one of three shortlisted in the Great Giving Funders Award category.

Karen Minnitt, chief executive of Bolton CVS, said: “We didn’t quite capture the very top Social Change award but we are in the top three Great Giving Funders in the country, which is a wonderful achievement for Bolton and the BIG Bolton Fund.”

BBF was launched in January 2008 and provides grants to support many groups, including children’s activities and projects, activities for the older g e n e r a t i o n , environmental schemes and projects that promote health and wellbeing, as well as activities promoting community spirit throughout Bolton.