DAILY Echo readers are being given the unique opportunity to nominate deserving local charities to receive up to £5,000 in free grants.

Stacks of cash are up for grabs for projects taking a creative approach to fundamental issues affecting the young and disabled people.

Funds are being provided by The Gannett Foundation, the charitable arm of the company that owns the Newsquest Media Group, one of the UK's largest publishers of titles including the Southern Daily Echo.

Charities working in areas where Newsquest operates - including Southamp-ton and its surrounding areas - are eligible to apply for grants of between £1,000 to £5,000.

Larger sums may be awarded for exceptional projects.

Initiatives that have already gained grants include an outreach project for young people on the streets; an activities programme designed by a group of young carers; a stock of equipment and audio tapes to be loaned to visually impaired people; and a sports programme for young people with Down's Syndrome.

Interested readers should note that there are restrictions on who can receive the much-needed money including a bar on individuals, organisations that are not registered charities and uniformed youth groups.

Please hurry, though, as time is rapidly running out.

Application forms can be obtained by ringing Ron Wain, deputy news editor, at the newspaper on 023 8042 4520.

It would be helpful, for time reasons, if the forms could be faxed over to would-be entrants.

The forms must be filled out and returned to him by this Friday at the latest.

They will then be sent on for consideration by The Gannett Foundation.