THE Gazette and Herald Community Fund may not make Lotto-sized grants but the money we give to local good causes goes a long way to helping them succeed in their aims.

This year the fund, administered by the Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation, is inviting applications from organisations in the Gazette's circulation area, that is Kennet and North Wiltshire districts and Swindon Borough, for grants of up to £250.

Last year, seven good causes shared just over £1,000 but the money has been spent so well that the value gained by the winners goes far beyond the relatively small amounts involved.

For example, All Cannings Pre-school received £230 to buy two room dividers for their sessions in the village hall. The structures not only made the hall space more user-friendly for the children, but provided them with a space to display their artwork.

Sophie Leary, chairman of the group, said: "The screens have been wonderfully useful. Not only have we been able to show off the children's artwork to its best advantage, but they have helped us create more useful, smaller spaces and assisted the children's play.

"They can now sit and read in a screened off area instead of being distracted by the other children playing."

The group is looking to build its own permanent home but that is a project for the future. In the short term, they need a friendly, capable, committed playleader. Mrs Leary said: "We are thriving parent-led little group but we desperately need a new leader. If anyone is interested, they can contact me on (01380) 860761.

As little as £75 bought a wooden toy train set for Tickle Tots Mother and Toddler Group in Chippenham, but the new toy has had a great impact on how children play at the group.

Deborah Wiltshire said: "It has been completely fantastic. It is very popular with both boys and girls, and the boys are relieved they don't have to play with dolls in prams any more.

"The great benefit is that they have to co-operate in setting it up, laying the track and points and so forth and they have to talk to one other in order to use it.

"We have used the Gazette's money very wisely. We bought the toys from the Early Learning Centre and Asda and will expand and upgrade it as we need to."

Wootton Bassett Sea Cadets welcomed the £150 from the fund that bought them two halogen heaters for their hut at Jubilee Lake.

Tamara Wostenholm, chairman of the corps' parents and supporters club, said: "It is a wooden hut and the wind always manages to find its way through any little chink. We applied for money to buy Calor gas heaters but we thought it was safer in a wooden building with children around to get the halogen heaters. I can't tell you what a difference they have made!"

During the winter most of the corps' activities take place in the hut on Mondays and Thursdays, learning everything from cookery to seamanship. The corps' two dinghies are about to be moved to South Cerney Sailing Club ready for the summer season next year.

Sadly, Chippenham Guides have not had the benefit of the new hut they intend to buy with the £150 they were granted. They are still awaiting clearance from the parochial church council at St Andrew's Church in Chippenham to erect the hut, which will house all their camping equipment.

Any group wishing to apply for funding should complete the form below and return it by the deadline of Friday, November 12.