WIRRAL'S fourth annual Big Lunch in June will again have a Royal flavour.

Last year the Royal wedding was the focus of the celebrations. This year's Big Lunch will coincide with the diamond jubilee holiday - June 2 to June 5 - to mark the Queen's 60-year reign.

Area forums across Wirral have invited residents and local groups to apply for funding of up to £200 to help towards staging their own Big Lunch event.

Last year, around 2million people across the UK took part in a Big Lunch, with 19 local community groups receiving funding towards their own events.

The cash could be used to plan a street party or a meal in a local community centre or scout hut. Ideas for outdoor events are welcome.

Councillor Jean Stapleton, Wirral Council cabinet member for community and customer engagement said: "Last year's celebrations for the Royal wedding were a great success and demonstrated that planning and running events can bring our communities closer together.

"The funds that will be handed out by the area forums are a good start for groups that are planning barbecues, street parties or more off-the-wall ways to celebrate.

"We welcome people's ideas for the long weekend - the more original the better!"

To find out more and to download an application form, visit the Wirral Council website at www.wirral.gov.uk/biglunch.

You can also contact the council’s community engagement team on 0151 691 8210 or email engage@wirral.gov.uk