A device (10) for applying particulate material onto a surface of a mould is described. The device (10) comprises a container (12) for holding particulate material and defining an opening (18) for releasing the material. A closure device (20) is operable to open and close the opening (18). A levelling means (24) projects from the container (12) adjacent to the opening (18) and is operable to level the surface of the material dispensed. The levelling means (24) is shorter than the length of the opening (18) so that the opening extends beyond each end of the levelling means (24). In this way, an even layer of particulate material can be dispensed in one pass covering the bass of a mould cavity and opposed side walls of the cavity.