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 community projects.

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

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 is 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 Foundations on 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, visit gazette-news.co.uk Completed applications should be emailed to Michele Newman at michele.newman @nqe.com