A NEW 'grant-giving' and fundraising platform has been launched to make it easier for charities and community groups to get funding.

Oxford City Council has launched a pilot partnership with The Good Exchange - an online facility matching charities with those giving out grants.

The council said it will give out £5,700 as part of the scheme - and £1,000 of that will be handed out by March.

Charities and community groups only need to submit one application on the platform and those who meet the criteria will be put on a shortlist sent to the council.

If groups meet the criteria of other organisations or businesses issuing grants then their details will be sent to them as well.

The city council urged groups to apply by going to thegoodexchange.com and searching Oxford City Council's Small Grants 2018 funding scheme.