April 12, 2001 12:00: AMATEUR arts groups in Bromley are being invited to put their names forward for a special grant.

Bromley Arts Council has recently received extra funding from the Bromley Council, and wants local groups to benefit.

The Arts Council hopes to encourage new societies, and those attempting to widen their appeal to potential new members, to apply for support.

A spokesman for the Arts Council said: "The sum allocated is not large, and any society receiving funding can expect no more than a modest amount the average in recent years has been about £300."

Societies can apply for a grant, or a guarantee against loss for activities, and those awarded funding will become members of the Arts Council.

Members will receive a number of benefits, like publicity opportunities and preferential charges for hiring of the meeting and concert rooms at Ripley Arts Centre, Bromley.

Application forms should be returned by 14 May.

For more information, call the Arts Council's administrator on 020 8464 5816.