A TRUST set up more than 50 years ago is offering awards to Bolton people.

The Provincial Insurance Company Trust is inviting applications for this month.

Over the years, they have given out thousands of pounds and one successful applicant was Bolton actor Andrew Buchan.

He had help from the trust with some of his drama school fees when he studied at RADA. Andrew is appearing in the BBC2 drama, Party Animals, and was one of the main characters in Jane Eyre, shown last year.

The trust has also given cash to promising tennis player Bradley Yates, aged eight.

Trust secretary Sheila Riley said: "We have also given an 83-year-old man £1,000 to re-cover his wheelchair. There is no age limit but we do not do loans or commercial or building projects."

The trust was set up by the Provincial Insurance Company, which was owned by local mill owners, the Scott family.

"If anyone wants to apply by next Monday, their applications will be put before the trust board," said Mrs Riley, who can be contacted on 01257-268358.