CROWN Paint's community cash is proving popular with hard-up charity groups. Applications are pouring into Citizen offices for a share of this year's £4,000 awards.

Galligreaves Community Base in Blackburn hopes judges will look kindly on its request for £350 to help set up a craft group for single parent families, the unemployed and disabled people who live in the area.

Project co-ordinator Annette Wallbank said: "The setting up of this group will encourage people to work together and develop individual skills, build confidence and create a better community spirit."

Hornby Court Residents Association are also hoping for a cash boost. They have applied for £100 to pay for a microwave oven to help promote events for elderly members of the community.

Warden Margaret Chisholm explained: "The door of our existing oven is faulty, heavy and at a low level. If we had a new one it would help us set up new activities like luncheon clubs."

The cash offer is open to community groups in Blackburn and Darwen which are not local branches of national charities, political parties and organisations who received a grant last year.

Causes which benefit the whole community are especially welcomed.

The closing date for applications is Friday, June 28 and all entries should be send to Community Awards, Citizen Newsdesk, Newspaper House, High Street, Blackburn, BB1 1HT.

Ring Newsdesk for a form on 01254 671241.

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