GROUPS are being urged to put themselves forward for a slice of a shopping centre's bursary scheme.

Middlesbrough's Hillstreet Centre aims to support community groups, schools and organisations with one-off grants throughout the year.

Since its launch four years ago, 17 organisations, including Acklam Women’s Rugby Team, Berwick Hills Primary School and the Salvation Army Sunday School, have benefitted from the scheme.

One of the previous recipients is Kilton Thorpe School Friends Association, which received a grant of £500 to support its work in 2012, to create a supportive and caring environment for children and young people with special needs across the Redcar and Cleveland borough.

Brenda McCabe, association treasurer, said: “In the summer, there are not many activities for young people with special needs to attend and we wanted to give youngsters in Middlesbrough something to look forward to. The Summer School allows children to take part in many activities such as horse-riding, kayaking and visiting museums."

Peter Drabble, centre manager, said: “We are always looking for ways that we can support our local community and the bursary is an initiative that has been highly successful over the last few years.

"We’ve supported a wide range of causes, from schools and sports clubs to charities and Brownie groups, so I would urge any local organisations to come forward and apply.”

To apply for the bursary, groups should email adminhill.street@btconnect.com or write to Hillstreet Shopping Centre, Middlesbrough, TS1 1SU.