DAY trips to the seaside and fish and chip lunches could be enjoyed by more older folk in Oxfordshire, thanks to money raised through Comic Relief.

There is just one week left for communities in Oxfordshire to apply for their share of £50,000.

The Oxford Mail and Comic Relief have teamed up to offer grants of between £500 and £1,000 for charities and organisations across the county.

But the closing date is Thursday, so people need to get their applications in quickly.

One group which has already applied for £1,000 is the Valentine Club, a seniors group in Steeple Aston, near Bicester.

Club organiser Richard Preston, 63, said: “We have applied for the Comic Relief money because it could have a big impact on our coming year.

“We have got more than 70 members, all over the age of 60, and we try to meet at least once a month and go on at least six trips a year.”

Recent visits have included days out to Portsmouth and the Forest of Dean.

The club was founded on February 14 , 1952, and is now in its 59th year.

Membership costs just £5 a year, so the club relies on fundraising and grants.

Mr Preston said: “We know we are one of the biggest and most successful seniors clubs in Oxfordshire, but because of that success, we have high costs.

“I don’t want to pull on any heart strings, because our club is the same as countless others around the county, but this money would mean we could do everything we want, without worrying about our finances.”

Plans for the coming year include more trips out, fish and chip lunches and performances including a show by a group of Irish dancers.

Mr Preston said the club made an “amazing difference” to those that used it.

He said: “I know what a difference just getting people out of their houses for half a day every month can make.

“It’s something they can look forward to, a place where they can meet people of similar age with similar interests.

“It can also be a break for the people who look after them as well.”

Joan Fonge, 78, from Steeple Aston, has been in the Valentine Club for 15 years.

She said: “The club has become a big part of my life.

The only close relative I have is my son, so this is my only real chance to get out. The outings with the club are my only outings in general, so I really look forward to them. You also get to know everyone really well.”

rpope@oxfordmail.co.uk l For information on how to apply for the grants, see oxfordmail.co.uk/li/red_nose or call 01865 798666.

The closing date for applicants is Thursday.

l We want to know about your Red Nose Day events, both beforehand and afterwards, so upload stories and pictures at oxfordmail.co.uk/news/your news