COMMUNITY groups are being given the chance to get a grant from the owners of the company that publishes the Worcester News.

Grants of £1,000 to £5,000 - more in exceptional cases - are being given by the Gannett Foundation, the charitable arm of Gannett Co Inc, owner of Newsquest Media Group, one of the UK's largest publishers.

The foundation supports projects that take a creative approaching to helping young and disabled people.

Groups that have benefited in previous years include the Bridge Counselling Service, Perdiswell Skate Park, the Snoezelen Project and Arcos in Malvern.

Grants will not be given to: * Individuals * Organisations which are not registered charities * National or regional organisations unless the project addresses specific local needs * Uniformed youth groups * As part contribution of a salary l Promotion of religious causes * Endowment funds * General appeals * General contribution to costs or multi-year campaigns * Medical/research organisations * Animal charities.

Successful groups will be asked to agree to some publicity.

Applications must be made on forms available from Roni Skye, Worcester News, Hylton Road, Worcester WR2 5JX. E-mail roni.

skye@midlands.newsquest.co.uk or call 01905 742265. Forms must be returned to the same address by Wednesday, March 28, and grants will be awarded later in the year.