TWO most deserving groups have scooped £200 each after being chosen as the May and June monthly winners of the Chorley Citizen-Kwik Fit Community Bursary Awards.

Clayton Parish 5-a-side Committee kicked off the cash handouts by taking the May award followed by Chorley Blind Welfare for June.

Clayton-le-Woods borough councillor Simon Jones, chairman of Clayton Parish Council 5-A-Side Committee, wrote to us to apply for the money which will go towards a third soccer tournament in his district.

He said: "This time we want to have activities which will draw in a wider age range, especially from the Clayton community. To this end we are planning to have two live bands - a top jazz band and a local brass band, a barbecue, side stalls such as books and crafts, and a bouncy castle for little children.

"The live music in particular will cost money and this is where the bursary could be so useful.

"As the events are open air and for the community we cannot charge an entry fee, so we need to raise many hundreds of pounds to meet the cost of the activities."

Margaret Matthews wrote to us on behalf of Chorley Blind Welfare applying for the grant for its Talking Newspaper which is compiled each week using Chorley Citizen articles.

She said: "Technicians take on the task of transferring these on to cassettes to the people concerned. A further set of volunteers sort, distribute and deliver the cassettes to the people concerned.

"The blind and partially sighted enjoy this free service very much. It is often their only means of keeping in touch with news, activities and services offered in Chorley."

Margaret explained that not only are repairs and replacement equipment needed, but that loaned-out wheelchairs must be kept up to safety standards.

There's still time to apply for a bursary. They are available to local charities, volunteer groups, special individuals or events, for example.

Chorley Citizen editor Belinda Jenkins said: "The Chorley Citizen is delighted to join forces with Kwik Fit to help the local community.

"Choosing the winners was a very difficult task but we think the two applicants are most worthy of the cash awards.

"The July award is still up for grabs. Previous applicants need not apply as they will be reconsidered, but new ones are most welcome."

To apply for the July bursary, please send your letters of application explaining how the cash would help you achieve your objectives to: Belinda Jenkins, Editor, Chorley Citizen, 45-47 Pall Mall, Chorley PR7 3LT to arrive no later than Thursday, July 31.

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