A scheme that will make between £250 and £5,000 available to sports organisations has been launched.

The Sport Relief grants, backed by former Olympic athlete David Hemery, are intended to support projects in the local community.

Sport Relief is working with the Community Foundation in Wiltshire and Swindon to fund work which uses sport and exercise to provide opportunities for people who are excluded or disadvantaged.

Last summer 81,000 people from all over the UK took part in the Fitness First Sport Relief Mile and raised more than £16 million for projects in the UK and overseas.

In Wiltshire and Swindon thousands helped to raise money, taking part in a wide range of activities. This year half the money raised through Sport Relief is to be spent in the UK and the other half goes to projects in some of the world's poorest countries.

Mr Hemery, president of UK Athletics, said: "These grants will give people who are disadvantaged a valuable opportunity to take part in sport and exercise.

The grants will be available until 2006, and the closing date for the first round of applications for groups in Swindon is March 18.

To apply contact grants officer Marie Hale on 01380 729284.

For more information visit www.sportrelief.com