CHARITIES across the county have the chance to fill their coffers in time for Christmas courtesy of the Gazette's parent company.

The Gannett Foundation Fund, the charitable arm of the Gazette's parent company, is on the hunt for charities that would benefit most from its Christmas cash grants, which range from £1,000 to £5,000.

The foundation is particularly keen to hear from organisers of youth projects and those which benefit people with special needs.

Earlier this year, three groups in Swindon benefited from Gannett Foundation money including, Reach Inclusive Arts, based at the Pinehurst People's Centre, which received £1,500, Phoenix Mailing at the Cheney Manor Estate, received £2,500 and the Rowdy Bunch, based in Eldene, which was given £1,000.

Reach Inclusive Arts is a disability organisation, which gives disabled people a chance to get involved in art and culture. Reach used the £1,000 to put together a theatre company to send the message of stamping out discrimination and bullying through a drama project called Sticks and Stones.

The Gannett Foundation provides grants twice a year. All forms should be in no later than October 8.

The official application form and copy of the Gannett Foundation Guidelines can be obtained from Jacqui Taylor, Gazette and Herald, 14 Market Place, Devizes SN10 1HT or by calling (01380) 723501.

Applicants should note that 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 or causes promoting religion.