Charities with “adventurous” projects in need of funding are being urged to contact Gannett, the parent company of regional newspaper firm Newsquest.

The Gannett Foundation, the company’s charitable arm, provides funding to registered causes in areas where there are Newsquest local newspapers and websites.

Charities can apply for grants from the fund, usually of between £5,000 and £10,000.

A story published on the Essex County Standard website states: “We support projects which take a creative approach to fundamental issues such as education and neighbourhood improvements, economic development, youth development, local problem-solving, assistance to disadvantaged or disabled people, environmental conservation and cultural enrichment.

“We entertain applications of any size or ambition, though typically our grants are made for substantial projects which require and merit awards of between £5,000 and £10,000.

“We will consider much more modest applications as well, but we actively encourage adventurous projects on a larger scale.”