A CHURCH craft club for youngsters is among dozens of charities which have applied to your Argus for a helping hand with funding.

And there's still time to rush an application for your charity group to be in with a chance to gain a grant of up to £5,000 courtesy of Gannett, the American parent company of Newsquest and owners of the Argus.

But hurry - the closing date is tomorrow. One of those hoping to get a cash boost is the Ebenezer Baptist Church's Saturday Morning Craft Club in Two Locks, Cwmbran.

The craft club started in September 2000 and is focused on hands-on activities such as painting, moulding and sewing.

The charity aims to provide an interesting and worthwhile activity for children aged six to 11.

If they are successful in receiving a grant, they plan to use it for more materials and to replace worn brushes, paint-pots, glue-guns, pens and other items.

Wray Haynes, co-leader of the club, said: "The money would widen our scope to do more things with the children and encourage more to take part in the activities we offer. The children are enthusiastic and happy as they work together. There is adequate supervision but funding can be difficult."

The Gannett Foundation supports projects which take a creative approach to fundamental issues such as education and neighbourhood improvements, economic development, community problem solving, assistance to disadvantaged people, environmental conservation and cultural enrichment.

Priority will be given to local community organisations for equipment or running costs of projects in the following areas:

Help for homeless people After-school activities Youth organisations Community safety initiatives

Grants will not be given to: Individuals Organisations which are not registered charities National or regional organisations unless the project addresses specific local community needs Promotion of religious causes Endowment funds General appeals or multi-year campaigns Medical or research organisations Animal charities

Grants will be for £1,000 to £5,000 but larger grants may be made for exceptional projects. If you haven't yet got an application form you can collect one at the Argus reception desk at our offices in Cardiff Road, Newport between 9am and 5pm.

Remember that all application forms must be returned by 5pm tomorrow. Results will be announced at the end of April.

*PICTURED: Charlotte Barton, of Ebenezer Church craft club, Cwmbran, works on one of her creations.