CHARITIES and community groups are being invited to cash in on a local trust fund.

The Galbraith Trust is waiting for applications from locals for its latest round of grants.

The Trust was set up five years ago to use money from the estate of former Lancaster hardware store owner Ian Galbraith to help community organisations in and around the city.

Nine charities have already shared just short of £10,000 this year and now trustees are ready to hear a new round of grant applications.

Forms and guidelines are available from Lancaster CVS at Trinity Community Centre, Middle Street, Lancaster, LA1 1JZ. The next closing date is Friday, May 12, for decisions at the end of May.

The nine groups which shared £9,600 from the trust last month with awards ranging from £600 to £2,000 included Red Rose Youth, Silverdale Bowling Club, Skerton Players, Lancaster District Recycling Forum, Galgate Pre-school and others.

Projects included running a performing arts course, restoration of old and out of print music, rebuilding of a boundary wall, IT equipment and an expedition to Brazil.