Charity bosses say they have benefited from teaming up with us by having articles published in the newspaper and online, which highlight to readers the great work NCF carries out in the community –– as well as the projects and groups which have benefited.

NCF says it has been able to demonstrate how community groups and volunteers can use small grants to make a big difference to the lives of hundreds of people.

Said fund development manager Zoë Keens: "We are grateful to everyone at the Chad for all their support and hard work over the three years that we have been the Chad Charity of the Year.

"Nottinghamshire Community Foundation as a local charity is tough to communicate, and raise money for.

"Many don't understand that it is possible to make a real difference on your doorstep, through the hundreds of grass roots groups working in our area and it is our privilege to support these groups and help people in Mansfield, Ashfield and Newark and Sherwood.

'Wonderful'

"We provide a safe and easy way for local people to give into local communities and it is their success which is our success.

"It has been wonderful to be able to promote the work of these groups in the Chad and be a provider of good news stories — it is us as local people who can really make the difference, if we all keep working together we can create a great future."

And in its final round of grants from this year's Chad Challenge fund, the organisation has handed out more than £5,000 to 22 groups.

Groups to benefit include Edwinstowe Arts and Heritage Festival Organisation to put on pottery classes for elderly, disabled and visually impaired people, Ashfield Home Safety Equipment to buy 22 Child Accident Prevention Trust packs and Mansfield Olympic Gymnastics club to update and renew equipment.

NCF will use £3,000 left in the pot to kick-start three new funds — one each for Mansfield, Ashfield and Newark and Sherwood.

• To make a donation send a cheque to NCF at Cedar House, Ransom Wood Business Park, Southwell Road West, NG21 0JH. Make sure you include any information on which district you want to help or visit www.nottscf.org.uk for more details.