Jewson’s 2017 ‘Building Better Communities’ competition, which has been calling on people in the North West to nominate community building projects that are in need of a helping hand, closes next week (May 5).

This year’s total regional prize fund has doubled to £200,000 and is open to applications from improvement projects across England, Scotland and Wales.

Community groups can apply for a share of the overall prize fund – anything from £500 to £10,000 to spend on building materials – or put their project forward for the top prize of £50,000 for building materials and labour.

In a new addition to the 2017 competition, communities can also nominate a ‘Trade Hero’ – a tradesperson who plays a big role in their area. The winner of the Trade Hero category will receive £50,000 worth of building materials to enable them to complete a worthy community project.

Mark Rayfield, CEO of Jewson, explained: “Since Building Better Communities launched in 2015, we’ve seen the difference that the competition has had on local communities and charities. We know there are many more projects that could benefit out there, which is why we’re encouraging people in the North West to nominate a cause close to their hearts.

“We’ve also introduced a new category for 2017 – the Trade Hero award. We know that tradespeople are working hard to help their communities on a regular basis, and we really want to champion these people and enable the work they’re doing.”

Since the first year of the competition in 2015, Building Better Communities has helped over 40 community projects across the UK.

This year the competition is supported by a number of Jewson partners, including Velux, Norbord, Marshalls, Polypipe, Recticel, Tarmac and British Gypsum.

Community groups and tradespeople have until May 5 to put forward their project. Nominations can be made via www.buildingbettercommunities or the Jewson Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JewsonUK.