LONDON, January 23 /PRNewswire/ --

- With photo

LONDON, January 23 /PRNewswire/ --

Ellen Thomas, best known for her role as Liz Webbe in the Channel 4 hit series Teachers, will be a celebrity judge for a new GBP10,000 Creme of Nature Community Grant Award scheme; available to African Caribbean organisations or groups, working with black women in the UK. The application process, which launched in November 2007, is already under-way with a deadline for receipt of applications set for 31st January 2008.

The Creme of Nature Community Grant Award, supported by Colures magazine and Voice of Africa Radio 94.3FM, is funded by the Colomer Group and has been created to recognise and support community cohesion and social inclusion within the African Caribbean community. The award is an opportunity for organisations and groups to turn their brilliant ideas into reality and make a real difference to real people's lives.

Ellen commented: "When I was told about this wonderful initiative I was delighted to offer my services to help what is a very worthy cause."

She continued: "It's not long now until the closing date (31st January), so if your organisation is eligible, or if you know of a group that would benefit from the grant, then please request an application form or nominate them."

Who can apply - African Caribbean not-for-profit community and voluntary organisations, and faith groups, with an annual turnover of less than GBP50,000, that provides services and support for women. It's really easy to apply, just send your contact details to nominate@cremeofnature.co.uk and an application form will be sent out.

Closing date for applications: 31st January 2008. Judging will take place between the 20th and 27th February 2008. The winner will be announced in March 2008, in conjunction with International Women's Month.

For further information on the Creme of Nature Community Grant Award, visit http://www.cremeofnature.co.uk

Notes to Editor

The Colomer Group is manufacturers of the brand Creme of Nature, which celebrates a heritage of over 30 years of beauty. The shampoos, first launched in 1976, have always been the gold standard for cleansing and conditioning African Caribbean women's hair. The relaxer kits and permanent gel hair colour are also true to this heritage of beautiful, healthy-looking hair.

A picture accompanying this release is available through the PA Photowire. It can be downloaded from http://www.pa-mediapoint.press.net or viewed at http://www.mediapoint.press.net or http://www.prnewswire.co.uk.

For further information please contact Jessyca on +44(0)208-555-2200 or e-mail, jessyca@richvisions.co.uk