WEST Fife community groups are getting the chance to bloom through a special initiative from Dobbies garden centre.

Applications are being invited for the firm's Helping Your Community Grow scheme which will see a community group in Dunfermline receive gardening products, support and expertise from the Dobbies’ team.

Now in its 13th year, Helping Your Community Grow has sustainability at its core and encourages people across the country to care for, nurture and protect their green spaces.

Local groups in Dunfermline who want to help their community space thrive in a sustainable way are being urged to get in touch whether it's a school allotment project that allows kids to learn about the health and environmental benefits of growing fruit and vegetables; a community garden or space looking to bring the outside in or a charity looking to create a sensory garden to encourage everyone outdoors.

Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies, said: “Community is at the heart of what we do at Dobbies and we're proud to bring back Helping Your Community Grow for the 13th year.

"As we’re committed to environmentally-friendly practices, we’re especially interested in hearing from projects in Dunfermline with sustainability at their core. As always, our teams will share their expertise in products and practices to ensure an eco-friendly approach."

Eligible groups must be located within 20 miles of Dobbies Dunfermline and a shortlist of community groups for each store will be made before members of the public are asked to vote for their favourite project.

Based on the public vote, there will be one winner per store, with the project receiving the most votes securing the national winner title.