TINSEL, turkey and all the trimmings could be on the way to community groups across Hampshire - for free.

The Daily Echo today joins forces with British Gas to offer local organisations the chance to bid for part of a Christmas party fund.

With the season of goodwill fast approaching, British Gas is offering community groups a slice of a £1,000 pie.

The fund will be split between the most deserving causes.

Whether it's paying for mince pies at an old folks' day club or for prezzies at a children's Christmas party, the cash could make all the difference.

British Gas wants to help as many groups as possible to have a cracker of a Christmas bash.

Allan Wood, British Gas public relations manager, said: "If you're planning to hold a Christmas party for your group - maybe a pensioners' club or mothers and toddlers group for instance - and you'd like a bit of financial help, then we want to hear from you.

"All you need to do is write to us and let us know how much you'd like and what you plan to do with the cash.

"We'll then decide on the most deserving cases."

The Daily Echo will pop along to as many of the lucky winners' Christmas parties as possible to take photographs of the festivities in action.

But time is limited. All nominations must be with British Gas by Monday, December 6.

Simply jot down what would make your group's Christmas party go with a bang and how much it would cost.

Be sure to include a daytime contact number.

Write to British Gas Cracker of a Christmas, Public Relations Department, 80 St Mary's Road, Southampton, SO14 0YR.