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

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

It will be distributed in the circulation area of Newsquest's 317 titles, but bids must be in before April 21.

An 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 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.