COMMUNITY groups in North Lancashire are being invited to apply for grants which could help them achieve their aims.

Around £270,000 is available to worthy causes across the country from the Gannett Foundation, sponsored by Newsquest's parent company Gannett Co Inc.

The allocation will be distributed to projects within the circulation area of Newsquest's 317 titles, which include The Lancaster and Morecambe Citizen.

It supports schemes which tackle issues such as neighbourhood improvement, economic or youth development, education, community problem-solving, helping disadvantaged people, the environment and cultural enrichment.

In November last year, an Appleby charity which works for blind and partially-sighted people was awarded a £2,500 grant.

The Talking Messenger used the Gannett cash to buy a high speed copier to produce tapes more quickly and an eraser to save volunteers from having to clean tapes by hand.

Now there is an opportunity for other groups to apply for aid.

Margaret Strayton, Newsquest's group editorial manager and a trustee of the Gannett Foundation in the UK, says: "Priority is given to local organisations for equipment or running costs of projects in the areas of help for homeless people, after-school activities for disadvantaged or disabled children, youth organisations and community safety initiatives.

"Like many donors, we receive many more requests than we can fund but we help where we can make a lasting difference to people in the communities we serve."

All donations are at the discretion of the fund, but applicants should note the fund will not consider: Unregistered charitable causes Applications that are not made in writing on the official form Applications that do not give full answers Funding of salaries or general running costs Endowment funds Animal charities Medical research Causes promoting religion An application form and the foundation guidelines can be obtained from Phil Fleming, editor, Lancaster and Morecambe Citizen, Unit Four, Victoria Court, Penny Street, Lancaster LA1 1XN.

The deadline for submission is Tuesday, March 22. For more information about the grants, telephone 01524-520262.