THE shortlist for this year's Let's Do It awards has been announced, with five charities in the running for the £1,000 prize.

Judges from Barclays and the Chronicle whittled down the entries last month, with the overall winner to be revealed shortly.

Mark Flatt, manager of the Hounslow High Street branch of the bank, praised the quality of entries in the annual competition.

He said: "At Barclays we strive to strengthen local communities in which we live and work by supporting a range of causes, from local schools to centres for older people and also improving financial awareness through the Barclays Money Skills Programme.

"The entries we received are fantastic examples of all the good work going on in our local communities. The Let's Do It awards are designed to support local causes, which we all hope will make a real and lasting difference."

The winning charity will receive £1,000 to spend as it wishes. There is also a £1,000 Barclays Money Skills Programme prize, providing training on money management, and two runners-up prizes of £500.

The shortlisted charities are: * Speak Out - an advocacy group for people with learning difficulties **The Mulberry Centre - a support group for those affected by cancer **Tuesday Club - a monthly group for retired people **Woodlands Estate Residents' Freeholders Association (WEFRA) - wants cash to provide sporting opportunities to people of all ages **Brentford Toy Library - a play and toy borrowing scheme in Brentford.