IT is that time of the year again when dreams can come true for cash-strapped local groups thanks to the Citizen/Crown Paints Community Awards - with a £4,000 cash bonanza up for grabs.

Now in its 18th year, the awards help organisations across Blackburn and Darwen who need it most with last year's grants ranging from £75 to £600 awarded on merit.

Last year 15 groups received a cash handout - with special emphasis on appeals which benefit the whole of the Blackburn and Darwen community.

And grants ranged from £75 to the Darwen Amateurs for the cost to hire Darwen Library Theatre for a show to raise cash in aid of the SuperScan Appeal to a £600 to Newrad Fisheries Club for the reinstatement of Mill Lodge.

Newrad Fisheries Club chairman David Woods said the funding will enable more disabled anglers to use the club once the project to reopen the lodge is completed in August.

He said: "These community awards are a fantastic opportunity for local groups to obtain funding to carry out schemes that benefit the people of the borough. I welcome anything that improves our community and urge other groups to submit their applications."

Sudell County Primary School also received £600 to help provide drainage for a football pitch used by the school and other local groups.

And headteacher Adrian Woods believes the awards are an ideal way to build up bonds between schools and the business sector - and prepare pupils for life in the workforce.

He said: "Schools and businesses can do a lot for each other and these awards are an ideal example of that. If gives pupils an insight of how local companies can help the community and I believe gives them a positive approach to their working lives."

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.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday, July 23 and all entries should be sent to Community Awards, Citizen Newsdesk, Newspaper House, High Street, Blackburn, BB1 1HT. You can get your application forms by ringing the Newsdesk on 01254 671241.

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