Groups and organisations from across Norfolk have been applying in their numbers for a chance to win funds from the EDP's Community Chest to help boost their facilities or set up new activities.

One of those that has applied is Diss Athletics Club, who are hoping to gain support from the campaign, which will give away £100,000 throughout 2016.

The club has been part of the town's community since 1952 after it was set up by teacher Reg Wright to allow people to participate in athletics after they left school.

The thriving club, which has around 70 members, caters for people aged seven to those in their 70s, and will use the funds to replace some of its equipment which head coach Gordon Coe said is getting old.

Mr Coe, who has been a member of the club since he was 11 and a coach for eight years, said: 'The hammer cage needs to be concreted. It gets very muddy in there and it needs to be made into less of a slip hazard.

'The money would also help towards the athletes going to tournaments. We're trying to push for more athletes and coaches for the club.'

The club is very popular and a lot of people travel to use the facilities.

He said: 'If we lost the club it would have a big impact on the community. We've always been a friendly club and over the last 15 years, there has been a move towards young athletes.

'It's more youngster friendly and we try to cater for their needs.'

For more information about the club, email dissathleticsclub@gmail.com

The first beneficiaries of the Community Chest campaign will be announced next month.

In January there will be £15,000 on offer and 60 local organisations could get £250 apiece.

To put yourself in line for a cash boost, all you need to do is collect tokens printed daily on the back page of the EDP.

For more information, rules and an entry form visit http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/community-chest