The initiative, which is in partnership with the 'MAIL' and the local Council, has returned for the second year and will see local groups in the Craigavon Borough Council area receive a share of £3,000 for much needed items or extras.

Mark Prentice, general manager for firmus energy explained, "We supply natural gas to 12 towns and cities across the province and believe it is important to proactively make a difference in each community.

This 3K Giveaway will therefore help local voluntary organizations, community or church groups by providing them with funds to purchase often much-appreciated extras that can sometimes seem out of financial reach.

"The scheme was extremely successful last year and firmus was able to help 172 different groups across the province by providing amounts ranging from as little as under £100, used to buy soft cushions for chairs, to as much as the maximum single sum of £100.

"No amount is too small and the maximum any single group can apply for is £1000."

To request a donation, simply write to: Firmus energy Craigavon Giveaway c/o David Cockcroft, Bamford House, 9193 Saintfield Road, Belfast, BT8 7HN.

Please give details of the following; name and type of organization(e.g. charity, church group), what funds you require and how you plan to spend the money, the number of members in your group, the age range of your members, where your group is based and anything else you feel may be relevant. It is vital that you include the name of the council in which the group is located and your contact name, address and telephone number. The closing date is Friday, October 17.

The judging panel will consist of representatives from firmus energy, the local Council and the Lurgan Mail, who will review all applications and contact all successful applicants.