A HELPING hand is being extended to groups who are looking to secure cash grants of up to £5,000 for millennium year projects.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council for Voluntary Services are to hold a joint briefing session for local clubs, community groups and societies interested in applying for cash from the Millennium Awards for All scheme - launched by Culture Secretary Chris Smith this week.

It will take place at Blackburn Library's Hornby Lecture Theatre on Wednesday, April 28 between 10am and 12.30pm.

With the council planning a 50 theme weeks throughout the year 2000 to mark the new millennium, Carl Hutton, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council's millennium co-ordinator, sees the development as a unique opportunity for community groups to get involved in the celebrations.

He said: "With activities suitable for funding including sport, the arts and heritage, we hope that as many groups as possible will take this chance to organise numerous community events and link the activity in with our year-long festival."

Dorothy Whittaker from Blackburn with Darwen Council for Voluntary Services added: "We are keen to maximise the benefits that the scheme can offer community groups in the region. Priority will be given to organisations with an income of less than £15,000. "Individuals, profit making companies and statutory authorities will not be eligible. There will be a simple application form, and decisions on applications are expected to be announced within 12 weeks of receipt of an application."

Groups wanting to book a place at the session should ring 01254 682000 or 01254 583957. People unable to attend can call the scheme hotline on 0870 600 2000.

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