Charities could earn themselves an early Christmas present by bidding for a slice of cash offered by the Oxford Mail's parent company Gannett.

The US-based Gannett Foundation is giving away thousands of pounds to good causes in Oxfordshire.

Chosen charities could receive up to £5,000, which will be delivered in time for Christmas.

The deputy editor of the Oxford Mail, Andy Chatfield, said: "These grants have already helped many groups across Oxfordshire in their work with the community.

"We at the Oxford Mail enjoy the role we play every day at the heart of county life, but these grants from our parent company are a way of making a direct and lasting investment in work our readers are doing."

Last year the foundation gave away more than £500,000 to charities in the circulation areas of its regional papers.

In 2003 three charities in the county benefited from a total of £11,000.

Earlier this year a football club for young people was saved from closure by money granted by Gannett. The Leys Programme was awarded £1,817 towards its expenses.

The programme works with children and young people living in the Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys estates in Oxford, running football, dance and after-school clubs, a home visiting service and a youth mentoring group.

Another local charity to reap the rewards of the grant is the Art Room, which helps traumatised children to express themselves through art.

The project, based at Oxford Community School, was given £1,300 to buy equipment it needed for a collaboration with Modern Art Oxford. The grant covered the cost of a colour laser printer to reproduce digital photos, and four digital cameras.

The project aims to increase the confidence and independence of children who have serious difficulties at school.

Gannett also provided a new computer, toys and holiday activities for a group which supports children with emotional issues. The Carterton-based Springboard Family Project provides children's groups for four to 12-year-olds.

Applications must received by Friday, October 8. Applicants must submit four copies of the form.

For more details, call Caroline Hyland on 01865 425407.