GROUPS helping children and the elderly, the disabled and the disadvantaged have all applied to the Bolton Evening News to Make It Happen.

The Make It Happen community awards are being run by this newspaper and Combined Insurance -- the market leader in specialist accident and health insurance -- to give away £10,000 to local organisations.

The only criteria is that these groups make a difference in their own communities.

Many local organisations have already applied, but there is still time if yours has not.

Just write and tell us about some specific project or plan you want to fund. It could be a new piece of equipment, special outing or way of improving your contribution to the community. We will feature as many groups as we can to publicise their work, and there will be a presentation night in November when the lucky groups will receive their awards.

Send in the details of your group and a "wish list" with details with costings to: MAKE IT HAPPEN Community Awards, Angela Kelly, Features Dept, Bolton Evening News, Churchgate, Bolton BL1 1DE or email akelly@bolton eveningnews.co.uk