CASH strapped local charity groups could soon be sharing a £4,000 cash bonanza!

The call is going out local organisations to apply for a share of the Citizen/Crown Paints Community Awards, now in its 17th year.

The grants will be awarded on merit - with special emphasis on appeals which benefit the whole of the Blackburn and Darwen community.

Last year's awards broke all records by attracting more than double the normal number of entries.

More than 50 local organisations sent in requests for cash to help their work in the community. The judges chose to split the money between eight needy causes including a Christmas party for children at the Blackburn and District Women's Refuge and a new set of camping equipment for Revidge Fold Guides.

Women's refuge project co-ordinator, Vivien Blacklegde, described the cash boost as a Godsend for the disadvantaged children who would otherwise have missed out on the traditional festivities.

A wide range of other groups shared the remainder of the money.

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

Local branches of national charities, political parties and groups who received a community award last year are not eligible to enter.

The closing date for applications is Friday, June 28 and all entries should be sent to Community Awards, Citizen Newsdesk, Newspaper House, High Street, Blackburn, BB1 1HT.

Get your application forms by ringing the Newsdesk on 01254 671241.

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