LOCAL community groups have an extra week to apply for cash grants from Malvern Hills Lions.

The Lions have been offering the grants at Easter and Christmas for many years, but this year they have upped are increasing the total they are donating from £1,000 to £1,500, with individual bids being doubled to £500.

The initial deadline for grants was Friday, April 4, but the Lions have extended it to Friday, April 11, to give groups a further chance to apply.

The scheme is backed by the Malvern Gazette and Ledbury Reporter, which collects the bids and passes them on to the Lions.

Applicants should write to: Malvern Hills Lions Club Grant Scheme, Roni Skye, Malvern Gazette and Ledbury Reporter, Hylton Road, Worcester WR2 5JX.

Applications must include the full name of the organisation, a contact name and telephone number, how much money is being applied for and an explanation of how the money will be used.

Applications must be at the Malvern Gazette office by noon on Friday, April 11. The winners will be announced shortly afterwards.