A SCOUT group which is being plagued by vandals is just one of the Darwen community groups hoping to be given a share of the bumper £4,000 Citizen/ Crown Community Awards.

The well established 5th Darwen St Cuthbert's Scout Group is appealing for a grant to increase security at their activity hut.

Scout leader John Miller said: "Over recent months the hut has been broken into and equipment vandalised at least twice a month. We need help to put a stop to this."

Derwent Hall Old People's Welfare Association is also hoping judges will look kindly on its plea for help to buy new kitchen equipment.

The organisation wants £396 to replace a two-year-old chip fryer which they believe will benefit the 4,000 senior citizens who will make use of the luncheon club in Darwen during the next year.

Darwen's Anchor Under 15s Football Club have requested £300 for a new kit.

The group of youngsters have outgrown last year's kit but lack of funds have forced them to carry on squeezing into their old outfits to play matches.

The cash offer is open to community groups in Blackburn and Darwen which are not local branches of national charities, political parties or organisations which received a grant last year.

There are just eight days left to get applications in. All entries should be sent to Community Awards, Citizen Newsdesk, Newspaper House, High Street, Blackburn, BB1 1HT. Ring Newsdesk for a form on 671241.

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