UP TO £25,000 is up for grabs for community or voluntary groups in Sunderland.

The Back on the Map Community Chest Fund, which is one of the first projects to be funded from the £54m New Deal for Communities cash, was recently awarded to the East End and Hendon.

Community groups and projects based in these areas can now apply for grants ranging from £100 to £8,000.

Pat Knightley, from the local community link team, said: "Anyone needing new equipment, or help setting up projects which could benefit the community can apply for funding.

"The aim is to help groups achieve goals which might otherwise not happen."

All applications for money will have to be appraised by a panel of local residents.

Quick Win Fund leaflets will shortly be delivered to every household in the area explaining the criteria for making an application.