As the nation prepares to begin a year of celebrations to mark the Queen's historic 70-year reign, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has launched a grant fund for those planning local events.

The Queen is the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee and plans already announced include:

- The creation of an extended Bank Holiday weekend from Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June for public events to take place

- Events include the Big Jubilee Lunch and street parties

- £22m of National Lottery Funding to support activities

At a local level, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has announced it has created a £20,000 fund for communities to organise their own events and celebrations.

Councillor Sybil Ralphs, Leader of the Council, said: "In the month that marks the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's accession to the throne it is fitting that we launch this grant funding to help communities across the Moorlands plan their summer celebrations.

"It is a truly historic milestone of selfless public service and I know people will want to take part in both national and local events as we come together across the UK to honour this achievement.

"I'm sure this extra financial help will be welcome by those already planning community events and those considering doing so."

The fund will be open to applications from Town and Parish Councils with £1,000 being available to Town Council's and the remaining budget split equally between the Parish Councils.

Parishes may wish to consider submitting joint bids or making funds available to community events supported by the Town and Parish councils.

For more information and an application form click here.