JULIA Drown, MP for South Swindon, is encouraging the town's community groups to apply for the B&Q You Can Do It Awards.

The awards offer £100,000 to local organisations whose premises are in need of renovation.

The grants were officially launched yesterday and there are 20 available, each offering £5,000 worth of materials to community-based projects.

Ms Drown said: "There will be many community groups in Swindon who meet all the criteria for these awards and I hope that people will be encouraged to apply for them.

"If your youth group, after-school club or local park needs a facelift, get an application form and send it off."

All groups applying should be aware that planned renovation work must be completed by Sunday, September 19.

The closing date for applications is Friday March 19.

Application forms can be obtained from the B&Q hotline on 0845 300 1001 or from the B&Q website at www.diy.com