Community and voluntary groups across Norfolk, the Waveney area of Suffolk and the Boston and Spalding areas of Lincolnshire, are being invited to apply for funding in the latest round of grants being awarded from the Bernard Matthews Fund.

The fund, which is administered by the Norfolk Community Foundation, was created to help a wide range of rural charities and initiatives in the region, and has already awarded more than �26,000 since its launch in October 2009. Grants of up to �2,000 can be applied for before the closing date of April 27. Andrew Sherwood, human resources director at Bernard Matthews Farms, said: 'Since the launch of the fund, we have helped a wide range of rural community issues and initiatives and have been very impressed with the diversity of applications received in the previous five rounds.

'We are pleased to be able to support the good work that people do in the community and there are many other worthwhile causes that could benefit from the funding available.'

Applications for grants can be made by any organisation or group established for charitable purposes, provided there is a formal structure, which will allow for monitoring of activity and feedback.

A panel made up of Bernard Matthews Farms staff, guided by the Norfolk Community Foundation, will assess the applications.

Organisations which have already benefited include Fakenham and District Gateway Club, Friends in Bereavement in King's Lynn, Great Yarmouth Go-Ahead Club, Home-Start Breckland and South Norfolk and Screen-Next-The-Sea in Wells.

Full details of how to make an application are available at www.norfolkfoundation.com/Bernard-Matthews-Fund.htm

adam.lazzari@archant.co.uk