THE Guardian is once again offering community groups and worthy causes in Northwich, Winsford and Middlewich the chance to get grants of up to £5,000.

Following a very successful bidding round earlier this year, three groups in Vale Royal received a total of £15,000 through the Gannett Foundation Fund - the charitable arm of the Guardian's parent company, Gannett.

Toc H and the Vale Royal branch of the Alzheimers Society received £4,000 each and an exceptional grant of £7,000 went to the Cheshire Penguins to help to pay for a new mini bus.

The Guardian was inundated with applications - and now the groups that missed out last time have another chance to approach the fund for support.

And the Guardian is keen to hear from new groups wishing to apply for grants.

Applications must be made using the official form, which must be returned to the Guardian office by Friday, September 5, at the very latest.

They will then be sent on to the foundation board, which will meet later this year to consider applications from all over the country, after which an announcement of the successful applicants will be made.

Any group interested in getting hold of an application form can write in to the Guardian at 15 Market Street, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 5DT.

Alternatively, they can call into the office or call the newsdesk on 01606 4333 and supply address details for a form to posted out.

jsawyer@guardiangrp.co.uk