FOUR community projects will be given the chance to pitch for up to £1,500 next month, when the second York Soup event takes place.

The fundraising meal, inspired by the hugely successful Detroit Soup events in the United States, is being staged in Guildhall on September 22, coinciding with the York Food and Drink Festival.

Up to 150 people will pay £10 each for a ticket and representatives from four local projects will pitch for the ticket income. Diners will be entitled to one vote each, with the winning project taking all the proceeds.

At the first event, at The Priory Street Centre in June, youth mentoring charity The Island collected £930. The increased capacity at Guildhall means potential for a larger fund.

People interested in pitching are now invited to apply, and members of the public are encouraged to book tickets, to help change York for the better.

The June event was widely praised by those who attended and by local charities.

Nigel Poulton, who pitched successfully on behalf of The Island, said afterwards: "It's the first time I have had to do a face-to-face pitch - I am more used to writing applications, but this is live and it was an opportunity to raise awareness within York of what different charities are doing."

York Press:

Nigel Poulton, right, with event compere Greg McGee at the first York Soup

Other projects to pitch in June were the Acomb Community Garden, which wants to transform an area behind Acomb methodist Church; Royal Voluntary Services, which wants to expand its library service for lonely elderly people; and York English for Speakers of Other Languages, which works with young people and does storytelling to help improve language skills.

Diners were encouraged to give feedback to the projects, by adding notes to display boards.

At the September event, doors will open at 6pm, with pitches from 6.30pm and food at 7pm. The winner will be announced at 8pm.

To be considered for a pitching slot, email catherine.surtees@york.gov.uk or phone 01904 621133. The only criteria is that the idea or project benefits York.

To book tickets, visit http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/york-soup-x-york-food-drink-festival-tickets-17525168250? or phone 01904 621133.