Kate ScotterCommunity and voluntary groups have been given an extra week to grab a slice of �62,500.Kate Scotter

Community and voluntary groups have been given an extra week to grab a slice of �62,500.

The Evening News in partnership with Sport Relief and the Norfolk Community Foundation has decided to extend the deadline for applications for the Sport Relief Community Cash scheme.

Eligible groups now have until Friday, March 12 to apply for grants of between �500 and �1,000.

The money is available to a wide range of Norwich groups from youth clubs to parent and toddler groups, lunch clubs to groups which help the elderly.

So far 40 applications have been received and groups are being urged not to miss out on their chance to get the cash.

Graham Tuttle, director of the Norfolk Community Foundation, said: 'It's good news that it's been extended. We've had 40 applications, but given we have �62,500 to give away; we really need more to do a really good job of it.

'We've been a little disappointed with the response. When you stop and think about all the community groups in Norwich and what �1,000 could do to help them - it could buy kit or equipment. There are a lot of groups which could benefit greatly and hopefully by having an extra week it will encourage them to apply.'

The grants are available to organisations based within the Norwich City Council area.

Groups which have already applied for the cash include the Sixth Norwich Guides, Chermond School of Gymnastics and Dance, based at the City Academy Norwich in Earlham Road, and Chapel Break Short Mat Bowls Club in Bowthorpe.

Groups do not have to be sports related.

The successful recipients will be decided by a panel and will be notified by the end of April.

Grants will not be awarded to individuals, statutory organisations or groups which are not constituted. The funding will not be given to help fund trips abroad minibuses or to fund building costs. Grants are restricted to one per group.

Anyone who needs help filling in the application form or wants to find out more information about their group's eligibility should call the Norfolk Community Foundation on 01603 623958.