CHARITIES across north Essex are invited to apply for a cash grant from the Gazette.

We are launching our latest round of applications for funding from the Gannett Foundation, which was set up to boost projects which do great work in our communities.

Gannett, which owns the Gazette and other Newsquest titles, has handed out nearly £4million in grants across the country in the past decade.

In the 2016 scheme, charities are in with a chance of receiving thousands of pounds.

Last year, MS-UK based on Hythe Quay received £7,360 from the scheme which was spent on two specialist wheelchairs to allow their clients to use state of the art exercise machines.

The closing date for applications for this year's scheme is Friday, October 14.

Applicants must be registered charities which have not received a Gannett Grant within the past two years, and must supply copies of their most recent accounts with their application.

The Gazette will then send a shortlist of applications to the trustees of the Gannett Foundation, which will meet to consider nominations for this year's round of grants on Thursday, November 24.

This year, judges are looking to reward charities from more rural communities, but there will also be cash for urban-based good causes.

For more information about the grants or to download an application form, click here.

Completed applications should be emailed to Michele Newman at michele.newman @nqe.com