IT'S your last chance to join the fight for a slice of the £4,000 bounty up for grabs in the Citizen/Crown Paints Community Awards.

Since this year's scheme was launched back on June 13, there has been an unprecedented amount of interest from Blackburn and Darwen organisations - with a record number of entries flooding into the Citizen newsdesk.

But you will have to hurry as next Wednesday's deadline is fast approaching.

Alan Terry, chairman of the judging panel, said he was delighted with the response local organisations and groups have shown to the awards which are now in their 18th year.

He said: "Akzo Nobel Decorative Coatings are delighted to support the local community through these awards and have been pleased to have supported some 270 organisations during that time.

"As a company we are aware of the need within the local community for financial assistance for groups with projects that benefit the whole community."

He added: "We look forward to receiving applications in this last week from groups who have projects that improve community life."

The awards will be judged by a panel of representatives from Akzo Nobel Decorative Coatings (Crown Paints) and Citizen Newspapers.

Local branches of national charities, political parties and groups who received a Community Award in 1996 are not eligible.

All entries should be sent to Community Awards, Citizen Newsdesk, Newspaper House, High Street, Blackburn, BB1 1HT. Applications forms should are available by ringing the Newsdesk on 671241.

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