A NEW initiative promoting mental health can't give money away quick enough.

The Promoting Mental Health Community Grants campaign aims to provide much needed funds to improve the mental health of Preston people.

It is one of the first initiatives by Preston's new Primary Care Trust and has £40,000 to give to local groups before the deadline on April 19.

Joan Burrows, chief officer at CVS, said: "We have only given away a few application forms and had none returned. This is a good opportunity for people to put in a bid to improve their services."

Six local groups have already benefited to the tune of £19,000, including Preston and District People First which supports people with learning disabilities, and The Gujarat Hindu Society, South Meadow Lane, which used the money for project on yoga and meditation.

"It has been great, we have 20 people signed up for our holistic living course and another course is about to begin in May," said Ishwer Tailor of the Gujarat Hindu Society.

The scheme is open to community, self-help or voluntary groups as well as educational agencies and small businesses.

For a form call at the CVS on Lancaster Road or call 251108. For information call Gulab Singh on 711774.