News in brief: BBC Egg Hunt,

The BBC is launching a Lancashire Egg Hunt, Preston building society will open longer and community grants are up for grabs in Lancaster.

Golden eggs are about to start appearing across Lancashire, after BBC Radio Lancashire launched what they say is the county’s biggest-ever Easter egg hunt ‘Graham’s Golden Eggs’. Starting on Monday March 30, 50 golden eggs will be hidden across the county, with eggs in every Lancashire borough. Each egg contains a unique code, which can be redeemed on the BBC Radio Lancashire Breakfast Show for a prize. Prizes include smart speakers, tickets to Lancashire gigs and events, overnight stays and some of the county’s finest produce. Speaking on the BBC Radio Lancashire Breakfast Show, presenter Graham Liver said: “I’m so excited that we’re doing this. Nothing on this scale has ever been done before – there’ll be eggs in each and every part of our beautiful county. It’s a great way to get out and explore Lancashire with friends and family over Easter and you could win a fantastic prize!”

Yorkshire Building Society branch in Preston is opening its doors on Saturday April 4 and Saturday April 11 to help savers make the most of the last day of this tax year and the first weekend of the new tax year. The branch, at 48a Fishergate, will be opening from 9am -12pm on both the Saturdays, for existing members and new customers looking to make the most of their current allowance for this tax year and open a new Individual Savings Account (ISA) for the new year. The team will be on hand to provide information on ISAs as well as opening new accounts. Existing customers will also be able to visit the branch to pay in and top up their existing ISAs. This year’s tax‑year changeover comes at an important moment for many savers. The Government has confirmed that from April 2027 the annual subscription limit for Cash ISAs will drop from £20,000 to £12,000 for anyone aged under 65. Savers aged 65 and over will retain the full £20,000 allowance. Tina Hughes director of savings at Yorkshire Building Society said: “ With confirmed changes to ISA allowances coming in 2027, it’s more important than ever that savers act now and make the most of the current, higher tax‑free limits while they are still available.

Lancaster University has opened applications for the 2026 round of its Community Benefit Fund, with local groups invited to apply before Friday July 3 2026.Now in its thirteenth year, the fund was created to ensure that the benefits of the University’s on-campus wind turbine are shared with communities across the Lancaster District. Each year, £20,000 is allocated to support projects that enhance the local environment, strengthen community wellbeing, and contribute to positive, long-term change. Since its launch, the Community Benefit Fund has supported 116 initiatives, investing over £240,000. The University is encouraging applications from trusts, community groups, voluntary organisations and Parish Councils based within Lancaster District (to the east of the River Lune).Jonathan Mills, Sustainability Manager at Lancaster University said: “It is great to receive applications and learn about the fantastic local community and environmental projects planned and underway.” Full details about the fund, including eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply, can be found here: Community Benefits Fund – Lancaster University.