COMMUNITY groups in areas served by the Stretford and Urmston Messenger and other Newsquest titles, will share in a near $1 million cash bonanza this year.

A total of $970,000 is available to worthy causes in the UK from the Gannett Foundation, which is sponsored entirely by Newsquest's parent company, Gannett Co. Inc.

The 2004 allocation will be distributed to community projects within the circulation area of Newsquest's 317 titles.

The sum represents an increase of almost eight per cent on 2003, when $900,000 went to worthy causes.

It brings the total amount awarded by the Gannett Foundation since it was established in Britain three years ago, to nearly £2.5 million.

Newsquest publishes local and regional newspapers across the UK.

All applications for grants are made through the local Newsquest title with more than 170 groups benefiting last year.

The grants are allocated twice a year, in April and in December.

It is left to each local newspaper to establish its own priorities, depending on local needs and following guidelines laid down by the Gannett Foundation.

The Foundation supports projects that take a creative approach to fundamental issues such as education and neighbourhood improvements, youth development, cultural enrichment and support for disadvantaged people.

Margaret Strayton, Newsquest's group editorial manager and a trustee of the Gannett Foundation in the UK, said: "Priority is given to local community organisations for equipment or running costs of projects in the areas of help for homeless people, after-school activities for disadvantaged children, youth organisations and community safety initiatives.

"Like many donors, we receive many more requests than we can fund but we do help where we can make a lasting difference to people in the communities we serve."

Among the groups receiving grants in Trafford so far have been:

l

Trafford Care and Repair

l The Children's Adventure Farm Trust

l Stockdales

lDelamere Toy and Tape Library

Margaret Strayton said: "Our newspapers cover every size of community. The very nature of our newsgathering and reporting gives us a unique opportunity to encounter a broad spectrum of people who need a helping hand.

"Reaching out to communities within communities and embracing our differences is the hallmark of the Gannett Foundation."

For an application form to apply for this year's grants, contact Messenger editorial at Brindley House, 25 Ashton Lane, Sale, M33 6TP. Grant applications should be submitted by Friday, March 19.