CHESHIRE East Council is making £15,000 available for residents to host street parties.

The Great Get Together, in memory of murdered MP Jo Cox will be held on June 17 and 18 and is an encouragement to residents to share food and conversation.

The council has made £15,000 available for community groups to apply for grants of up to £100 to come together and hold street parties.

The council will waive the fees for licensing and road closures for these community events but groups are advised to respond by midnight April 21 if they would like a closure.

Cllr Paul Bates, cabinet member for communities and health, said: "Social isolation can be more damaging to health than smoking. 

“We all know of Jo for her campaigning around diversity and human rights but she also got people talking about loneliness in our communities.

“Connected people are happier and healthier and I can’t think of a better tribute to Jo than for us all to connect and celebrate living in our local community.”

It is hoped the event can be the biggest of its kind since the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

For more information about holding a street party and to make a grant application visit cheshireeast.gov.uk/get-together.