THE Co-op has given £250 to help towards training a new beekeeper in the Brockweir-Hewelsfield area.

Applications from prospective beekeepers for a £300 grant are being invited by the Brockweir, Hewelsfield and St Briavels Garden Society.

The Midshires Co-operative Society money, topped up by the garden society committee, can be awarded to anyone living within a five mile radius of Hewelsfield crossroads.

Previously grants were confined to Brockweir and Hewelsfield and St Briavels parishes but this means that residents of Alvington, Aylburton, Coleford, Lydney, Newland, Tidenham, West Dean and Woolaston can also apply.

"The grant is intended to fund the purchase of bees, hives, equipment and protective clothing and the successful applicant will be required to join the Dean Forest Beekeepers Association and attend their basic beekeeping course," said a society spokesman.

Anyone wishing to apply for the grant should contact Alan Robertson at [email protected]">[email protected] or telephone 01594 530424.