COMMUNITY groups are being reminded that the deadline for cash grants from The Northern Echo's parent company is looming.

Newsquest's Gannett Foundation has hundreds of thousands of pounds to donate to local projects.

It will be distributed in the circulation area of News-quest's 317 titles but bids must be submitted before Friday, March 25.

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

The official application form and a copy of the Gannett Foundation Guidelines can be obtained from the editor, PO Box 14, Priestgate, Darlington, DL1 1NF.

All donations are strictly at the discretion of the fund.

Applicants should note the fund will not consider unregistered charitable causes; applications that are not made in writing on the official form; applications that alter the form, or do not give full answers; funding of salaries or general running costs; endowment funds; animal charities; medical research; and causes promoting religion.