THOUSANDS of pounds is being made available to support groups in desperate need of a cash boost.

The Gannett Foundation, which is the charitable arm of Gannett Co Inc, the parent company of Newsquest Media Group, owners of The Press, is offering grants of up to £10,000 to a range of projects.

Last year’s winners included Accessible Arts and Media, an arts charity based in York, which works with disabled adults and young people.

The charity works out of Burton Stone Community Centre and used the £7,000 to extend a pioneering programme of multi-sensory therapy - and reach many more people with the IMUSE - interactive multi-sensory environment.

Appleton-le-Moors Village Hall was able to benefit from improved facilities when its committee received £2,182 to revamp its kitchen and provide additional tables.

Speaking at the time the money was awarded, secretary Jim Hall said the hall was the hub of Appleton-le-Moors and used by a number of groups including the youth club, history group and Women’s Institute, as well as having a licence for 110 people.

And Brunswick Organic Nursery, in Bishopthorpe, has also been supported in their work with adults who have learning difficulties.

The nursery was awarded £9,550 to buy equipment to help train people to work as gardeners in the community.

The Gannett Foundation awards grants to community groups in areas served by their newspapers - including schemes for economic development, youth work, education, culture and help for disabled and disadvantaged people.

The closing date for this year’s applications is 5pm, on Friday, September 26.

To apply or for more information, visit yorkpress.co.uk/gannett to download an application form.

Completed forms should be returned, along with the supporting documents, to paula.homer@nqyne.co.uk If you are unable to access the internet contact Paula Homer on (01904) 567172.

Submissions should only be submitted in writing if applicants are unable to access email.