COMMUNITY groups in areas served by Newsquest titles, including the Preston and Leyland Citizen, will share in a massive cash bonanza this year.

A total of £512,653 is available to worthy causes in the UK from the Gannett Foundation which is sponsored entirely by Newsquest's parent company, Gannett Co.,Inc.

The 2004 allocation will be distributed to community projects within the circulation area of Newsquest's 317 titles.

It brings the total amount awarded by the foundation, since it was established in Britain three years ago, to nearly £2.5 million.

All applications for grants are made through the local Newsquest title with more than 170 groups benefiting last year. The grants are allocated twice a year, in March/April and again in December.

The foundation supports projects which take a creative approach to issues such as education and neighbourhood improvements, youth development, cultural enrichment and support for disadvantaged people.

Margaret Strayton, Newsquest's group editorial manager and a trustee of the Gannett Foundation in the UK, said: "Priority is given to local community organisations for equipment or running costs of projects for homeless people, after-school activities for disadvantaged children, youth organisations and community safety initiatives.

"Like many donors, we receive many more requests than we can fund but we do help where we can make a lasting difference to people in the communities we serve.

"Our newspapers cover every size of community. The very nature of our newsgathering and reporting gives us a unique opportunity to encounter a broad spectrum of people who need a helping hand.

"Reaching out to communities and embracing our differences is the hallmark of the foundation."

For more information e-mail gellis@prestoncitizen.co.uk