COMMUNITY groups in East Lancashire will be able to apply for special grants of between £500 and £5,000 to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee year.

Many councils in the region have teamed up with the lottery distributer Awards for All which helps to promote a special grants programme for the Queen's 50 year reign.

Ideas for special grants include extra curricular activities for schools, community gardens, respite holidays for carers and kits for football clubs.

Warrington-based Awards for All officer Denise Maalma, who is responsible for the North West of England, said: "It's still very early days but we would like to hear from people who feel they have a worthy scheme.

"The first of the successful applicants should hear if they have been successful by late November.

"In order to get a awards for all grant, the applicants must satisfy one of the criteria of supporting the community, extending access and participation, increasing skills and creativity or improving quality of life."

Hyndburn Area Council co-ordinator Kerry Harmer has been promoting the scheme in her region.

She said: " The area council team is happy to help any group wishing to make an application for a grant and hoping that as much money as possible be raised to help the residents of Hyndburn celebrate the Golden Jubilee.

"So far, we have only had seven applications and that is quite quite low compared to say Liverpool, who have had 42.

"There is a lot of money out there and people are missing out on a chance to help the community.

"It takes three months to process the application and I'm sure once more people know about it, the awards will be snapped up."

For more details about the Awards For All jubilee grant scheme, call 0845 600 2040.