Community groups from Anglesey and Gwynedd are being encouraged to apply for funding to help the Welsh language thrive.

47 projects across Wales have so far secured small grants from the Prosiect Perthyn scheme, which began its fourth round on the annual Diwrnod Shwmae Su’mae, which encourages people to start their conversations in Cymraeg.

The scheme aims to help groups start up a new social enterprise or community-led housing projects to create new economic opportunities and support Welsh-speaking areas with high numbers of second homes.

Grants of up to £10,000 are available.

Welsh Language Secretary, Mark Drakeford, said: "Prosiect Perthyn grants are a fantastic opportunity to help communities turn their ideas into reality."

"It has helped community groups to buy and run their local pubs such as Llanuwchllyn and Tafarn Dyffryn Aeron. Perthyn has also helped Menter y Tŵr in Pwllheli to buy and run a community-owned hotel, as well as supported community-owned renewable energy project such as Egni Trefin."

The former First Minister added: "Small grants can make a big difference in your local community, so I would encourage anyone with ideas for projects to benefit their community and support the Welsh language to apply."

The grant is being administered by Cwmpas on behalf of the Welsh Government.

Jocelle Lovell, director of inclusive communities, said: "Perthyn works with the communities to identify ways to address the lack of affordable housing, protect community assets and create new cooperatives and social businesses."

"A real enabler for us has been administering a small grant pilot scheme for the communities to help build local capacity and accelerate their business and housing ideas. We look forward to seeing the ideas develop and to working with more communities over the coming months."

For more information, including how to apply for a Proseict Perthyn small grant, visit the Cwmpas website. The deadline for applications is Sunday 3rd November.