CHARITIES and community groups need every penny they can raise right now with so many causes competing for scarce resources.

At the Evening Times we strive to recognise and, where possible, provide help to those who work so hard in our communities.

Whether it is through our Community Champion awards or Streets Ahead campaign we are always looking to support those who support others.

Similarly, with our Community Chest appeal we are backing small groups with hard cash which can make a difference to their work.

With our campaign partners, Taylor Wimpey, we award the grants so that groups can continue their good work helping others.

PALS, set up by Carrie Burns, is an excellent example of someone who came up against a problem and decided to do something about it and help not only herself but others in a similar situation.

It is exactly the type of initiative that the Community Chest appeal wants to help.

The SITE project makes a big difference to people with visual impairment and our grant will allow them to stage a special event they might not otherwise have been able to run.

Giveadogabone uniquely pairs rescue animals with elderly people.

Our only regret is that we were unable to reward all 70 of our marvelous nominees...