THE brains behind a growing gardening project is urging city community groups to take advantage of a £50,000 cash giveaway.

The Herald is backing this year's Sport Relief Community Cash fund, which will see thousands pumped into grassroots projects.

Among those to benefit from a grant last year was the Friends of Freedom Fields Park, which has used a £1,000 Sport Relief grant to grow a community garden behind the park's café.

Young and old get their hands dirty in the garden, which is overflowing with organic vegetables and herbs.

The produce – everything from leeks to strawberries – is then put to use by the various clubs that operate out of the café.

They include a youth club, social meet-ups for the elderly and support services for people with learning disabilities.

Friends committee member Jonathan Spurling said last year's Sport Relief grant had given organisers the opportunity to broaden the project.

"For us, it's always been about creating something for the community," he said. "The Sport Relief grant boosted us in the sense that we were able to build some bigger veg beds, and just expand everything we do.

"It basically allowed our volunteers to continue what we were already doing, and give more people the opportunity to get involved.

"I'm looking at the vegetable beds now and we've got leeks and cabbage and even grapes growing up a vine. It's quite fantastic here now."

This year's Sport Relief Community Cash fund is open to applications – but worthy causes must apply by March 9.

The door is open to any locally-run group with an income of less than £100,000 that is working in a disadvantaged or deprived area of Plymouth.

A judging panel will decide who to dish out the cash to in early April, but will not award a slice of the fund to individuals, statutory organisations, unconstituted groups, or for spending on transport, foreign travel or building costs.

Mr Spurling, who has been involved with the Friends since 2003, said many of the vulnerable people to have taken part in the growing project had discovered a flair for gardening.

Volunteers now help out every week and school children regularly visit for planting activities.

Mr Spurling, who also helps run the neighbouring café for mental health charity Plymouth Mind, added: "We're trying to create a mix of activities to cross the age barriers, and to promote healthy living at the same time."

Sport Relief organisers are also encouraging city people to go the "extra mile" by entering the Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile in Plymouth on Sunday, March 25. Registration is open now at www.sportrelief.com.

The 2012 Sport Relief Community Cash fund is being co-ordinated by Devon Community Foundation.

To be in with a chance, visit www.devoncf.com/apply-for-a-grant/sport-relief-community-cash and fill out the online application form. For more information call Laura Hewitt on 01884 235887 or email grants@devoncf.com.