TWO Wee County groups are battling it out in a public vote for a share of national funding.

The Clackmannan Development Trust and Resonate Together have made the final round of the Engage Foundation Community Awards.

The project with the most public votes will receive a grant of £5000.

Only 15 projects will receive the cash and the Clackmannanshire groups are up against organisations from across the UK.

The Clackmannan Development Trust, which was formed last year to restore pride in the historic town, is seeking to use the cash to buy outdoor Christmas lights and a tree.

Robert Horne, trust chairman, said, “Having laid the foundation of our trust last year we are now moving into our second year and it is an important time for us to move forward with the identification of projects and funding.

“I am really pleased we have made it through to the voting stage of this fund and especially as the Christmas decorations sit high on the wish list provided by the Clackmannan Community in our recent consultations.

“A big thanks to our members and volunteers who were involved in putting this application together. I would like to take this opportunity to ask everyone across the Wee County to take some time out to vote for lighting up Clackmannan and support our efforts at the trust.” Resonate Together is seeking computing equipment which would help with administration and offer more creative workshops.

Currently the team has to use their own laptops, apart from the use of an older computer, to carry out administration tasks including updating its social media channels and website.

The new computers would allow the social enterprise to hold workshops to teach design skills, particularly for its youth group to “help them build their self esteem and widening their future opportunities”.

Angela Beardsley, executive director of Resonate Together, said, “Practically everything we have got here – tables, chairs, even the computer – has all been donated. We’ve never had any budget to buy any equipment at all. It’s really important to get some up-to-date equipment. We need the computers to maintain this as a sustainable business.” Voting is now open and closes on 31 May. To vote for the projects go online to www.engagemutual.com/foundation/community-awards/