A COMMUNITY group in Dover with big ambitions has outlined its plans for 2012.

The London Road Community Forum has been given a Kent County Council grant of around £600 which it will use to buy presentation equipment which it will use at events throughout the year.

Other plans for 2012 include getting more involved in planning issues that will affect the local community and Dover town as a whole, plus helping with organising all the events coming up across Dover this year.

Secretary Ross Miller said: "It is going to be a busy year but we are up for the challenge.

"With the Olympic Torch coming here, plus all the usual events like the Regatta, we want to have a significant input in all the exciting things happening across Dover.

"We also want to become more involved in any planning decisions. We need to have a voice as these could impact our lives significantly.

"This is the area where we live, work and play so it is important that things are done correctly that will benefit us.

"We are also looking to build partnerships with local retailers and traders so we can spruce up the town, give it a bit of an uplift and enhance the area."

Mr Miller also explained how they came to getting the cash injection from KCC.

He added: "We thought it would be unsuccessful, but Gordon Cowan (Dover Labour Party leader) stood up and vouched for our cause, then we got the confirmation through.

"We have quite a big presence at events, and with this money we can buy some posh new bits and bobs which will help us attract more attention.

"Lots of little things can have a massive effect on the community, and we are determined to get the ball rolling."