REPRESENTATIVES from across the town's sporting community will come together on Thursday night for the Swindon Sports Forum.

The meeting will get underway at 6.15pm at the Broome Manor Golf Complex.

It is expected to last until 9pm.

The Swindon Sports Forum is a voluntary organisation which supports a diverse range of sports clubs and the development of sporting opportunities in Swindon.

Thursday's meeting will inform any sports club or interested organisation about Sport England funding resources aimed at encouraging increased participation in sport.

Any organisation looking for resources to improve a community facility or to open up their club to under-represented groups is most welcome to attend

Attendees will also be told about the 2017 Sport Forum small grants scheme including details on how to apply.

Chairman David Bell will open the meeting with a welcome address before a programme of speakers addresses the audience.

Among them will be representatives from Sport England who will discuss funding streams as well as Penny Marno from Swindon Borough Council who will speak about the council's public health priorities and how organisations can apply to be pilot participants in a new Active Ageing programme.

The second part of the event will consist of a panel question time session before participants come together to round off the evening with a series of collaborative group discussions.

Topics will include small grants available through the Sport Forum, Sport England grants, other funds and support, as well as the role of sports clubs in encouraging participation.

Anyone interested in attending should email SportsForum@vas-swindon.org to confirm attendance.