WIRRAL West communities are being invited to apply for funding to support street parties and other events to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday.

On Sunday, June 12, the Mall in London's St James Park will be transformed for its biggest ever street party to celebrate the Queen’s patronage of more than 600 charities on her landmark birthday.

And now an initiative called "The Patron’s Lunch" hopes to inspire communities across the country to host their own street parties in celebration of what their community means to them.

Grants of up to £250 are available from the Wirral West Constituency Committee to support people who want to organise their own lunch.

The cash can cover items like chair and table hire, road closure fees or a contribution towards the costs of food.

The committee has allocated a pot of £2,000 to be shared among revellers.

Councillor Jeff Green, who chairs the committee, said: "We know there is great community spirit in Wirral West and we’ve made funding available to help residents and community groups who want to participate in the Patron’s Lunch."

He has asked the council to waive the usual £150 street closure fee for the event - as it did in 2011 for celebrations for Prince William’s marriage to Kate Middleton - although it is not known yet if this request will be granted.

To register interest in applying for a grant to hold a Patron’s Lunch in the Wirral West area, email helengallagher@wirral.gov.uk by Friday, April 15.

Wirral West constituency area includes Arrowe Park, parts of Barnston, Caldy, Frankby, Greasby, Hoylake, Irby, Meols, Newton, Overchurch, Pensby, Thingwall, Thurstaston, Upton, West Kirby and Woodchurch.