People are being urged to bid for a share of a £2.3 million pot of money earmarked for community projects, as part of a new Surrey County Council campaign.

Love Where You Live was launched this week to encourage residents to volunteer and play a more active role to improve their communities, as well as putting them at the heart of council decision making.

It also aims to help people find out about funding opportunities, such as the council's £750,000 Community Improvement Fund. The campaign is at the core of the county council's new agenda to get everyone working together as one team for the benefit of Surrey.

Peter Martin, Deputy Leader of Surrey County Council, said: "Love Where You Live Surrey is about helping people make a difference to their communities. Surrey is a great place to live but by working together we can make it even better.

"For example, some people may not be aware that various grants worth a total of almost £2.3 million are available from the county council for community projects.

"This example is just the tip of the iceberg. Surrey has a long tradition of volunteering and we'll build on this by helping people to get more involved in community life."

Surrey scout leader Zelanie Cooper, 40, from Tadworth, has pledged her support to the campaign and recommended others give volunteering a go.

She said: "I think it's important for people to get involved in their local community because it makes it a home rather than just a place name. People build communities and children grow up learning from things around them. Having a sense of belonging is vital.

"Different people have different things to offer to a community. I have found out lots of things about myself I would never have known had I not got involved. It's good for the soul."

People can sign up online to Love Where You Live at www.surreycc.gov.uk/getinvolved, where they can also find out about volunteering and funding opportunities, as well as reading inspirational stories from Surrey volunteers.