NOW'S the time to start thinking of Christmas lunch - and there's a taste bud tingling chance to obtain a £300 grant to help pay for it.

Somerset Community Foundation is offering grants of up to £300 for community festive meals.

The aim is to bring communities together to combat isolation and loneliness that many people feel at Christmas.

A foundation spokesman said: "We’d like you to invite those who you think would benefit the most from a community meal.

"You don’t have to serve Christmas dinner on Christmas Day, but we do want you to organise your meal over the festive period when many other places are shut."

To apply, you will need to complete a short application form by Wednesday, November 14 - and you'll hear if you've been successful by the end of the month, giving you plenty of time to plan your event.

To be eligible you must have a bank account in the name of your group, a governing document, and a management committee of at least three local people.