There are just days left to apply for a grant from our Sport Relief Community Cash fund, from which dozens of worthy causes across the city will benefit.

Each of the lucky winners will receive a grant of between £500 and £1,000 to help them continue doing their valuable work in Norwich.

One group which already knows just how important Sport Relief Community Cash can be is Sprowston-based Bertie's Babes.

The toddler group was last year given £630 from the fund, helping it to buy new toys for its 35 members to enjoy.

Organiser Claire Akrill said the cash had given the group a huge boost.

She said: 'It made such a difference to us, as it allowed us to buy big items for once. We don't usually have the money left over for that, but with this grant we bought three big things for the children to play on and enjoy.'

The caterpillar climbing apparatus and tunnel, pirate-themed water play centre and waffle blocks have given play time at the St Cuthbert's Church-based group a new lease of life. And Mrs Akrill urged other groups not to miss out on the £50,000 funding pot this time around.

'It's well worth doing it, as it has allowed us to do something we otherwise wouldn't have been able to do,' she said.

The group has been running, in different forms, for around 28 years, and offers toddlers a chance to make friends through crafts, stories and play.

Last year's funding also helped the group to update its childcare training and certification, without which it could not run.

Mother-of-three Dawn Cullum said: 'All my children enjoy coming to Bertie's Babes.

'The children absolutely love playing with the new toys and they help them to learn and socialise together in a fun way.'

The deadline for applications for Sport Relief Community Cash is Tuesday; the application process is quick and simple.

Last year, a total of 55 groups benefited from the fund, including singing groups, gymnastics clubs, health support services and art groups.

To find out more and apply, click here.