TIME is running out to apply for a cash boost of up to £10,000 for your charity's local project.

Each year the Gannett Foundation sifts through hundreds of applications to find local causes most in need of help, and yours could be next.

But you'll have to hurry, with applications closing at the end of the working day on Monday.

Another of the success stories from the Gannett Foundation, set up by the Oxford Mail's parent company Gannett Media, is a school for children with special needs will soon be serving up taste treats in a wheelchair-friendly kitchen thanks to a grant.

The Friends of Bardwell special education school in Bicester, which teaches around 70 children and young adults aged from two to 19, was awarded £4,000 last year.

Later this month they will use the money to replace and modernise the school's life skills kitchen so that it is accessible for wheelchair users. This will include adapting accessories as well as kitchen utensils and cooking appliances.

Bardwell was one of five charities in Oxfordshire given a share of £30,000 to fund everything from outings for young carers to refurbishing a play area in December 2016.

Headteacher John Riches said: "The money is going to make a tremendous difference to our students who will be able to enjoy a truly accessible kitchen.

"Bardwell is all about providing an individualised and well-rounded learning experience, so the changes to the kitchen will allow pupils to be even more independent."

In the school's original application, Sarah Stevenson explained the funding was especially important for Bardwell as the school was so small and that meant the fundraising committee's time and resources were limited.

She added the children being able to make their own food and drink was a 'vital' life skill, explaining: "Preparation of food or cakes can start at a very young age. The kitchen plays an important part in this process, with these additional life skills the students will hopefully be more prepared for life after Bardwell."

The refurbishment will take place during the school's October half term break.

This year the criteria for Gannett funding has been expanded to include one-day or limited-time events.

Mr Riches encouraged other groups to apply for the grant, saying: "It's easy to do and can make a massive difference so there's really no reason not to put in an a bid."

All applications must be submitted by 5pm on Monday. They will only be accepted if submitted on an approved entry form, available from oxfordmail.co.uk/news/community/gannettfoundation.

These must be sent with supporting evidence to gannettapplications@nqo.com or by post to Oxford Mail, Newsquest Oxfordshire and Wiltshire, Osney Mead, Oxford, OX2 0EJ.