Covid-19 victim Prince Charles is doing his bit to help rural communities like the Shotley peninsula during this virus crisis.

The Prince's Countryside Fund is inviting applications for emergency funding from farming and rural community support groups, who are providing assistance to counter the effects of isolation during the Coronavirus pandemic.

With thanks to Players of People's Postcode Lottery, groups can apply for grant funding of up to £2,500 if they:

• are providing emergency relief to vulnerable or isolated individuals or;
• are providing support to farmers and farm businesses affected by the Coronavirus pandemic or;
• are helping rural or farming communities to cope with the Coronavirus pandemic

£100,000 total is available in this first round of funding.

Prince Charles developed symptoms of the coronavirus, but has pulled through and continues to play his part in royal duties when possible.

The Price of Wales established The Prince's Countryside Fund exists to improve the prospects of family farm businesses and the quality of rural life, on places such as the Shotley peninsula.

The Fund will assist projects that support farm businesses or other rural businesses and rural communities.

This may include, but is not limited to, volunteer and fuel costs for grocery and prescription delivery from rural community shops, pubs, and hubs; costs associated with emergency support by farm and agricultural support groups; or rural food banks and food delivery services.

Many organisations on the peninsula could be eligible, including the various Good Neighbours' schemes that are looking after scores of people in rural isolation, Tiffers the Bus Shelter project that has switched its focus to providing food parcels, and established community networks in Stutton and Holbrook, and other peninsula villages.

However, there are restrictions on who can apply and the the Prince's Countryside Fund will not fund individuals or private farm businesses, and cannot fund capital costs.

For more information and guidelines on how to apply go to Prince's Countryside Fund.