THERE is still time to apply to The Times and Independent Series to win a team of journalists and editors to help with a worthy cause as part of Mitzvah Day next month.

Charities and voluntary organisations have been busily sending in their applications for projects in need of a helping hand for the annual good-deed day on November 20.

Mitzvah Day calls on thousands of volunteers to donate time rather than money to charity and community projects.

The Jewish-led day of social action, which is in its sixth year, encourages people of all backgrounds to make a difference around the world.

This will be the third time newspaper staff have swapped shorthand for shovels and got their hands dirty for a good cause.

Last year, the team spent the day at Meryfield Community Primary School, in Theobald Street, Borehamwood.

The volunteers, including assistant editor Tim Jones, content editor Kerry Allan, and reporters Natalie O'Neill and Suruchi Sharma, transformed a paved concrete area into a green learning environment.

This year they will be joined by group editor Martin Buhagiar and assistant editor Jon Neivens.

They painted walls, sanded benches and laid soil for planting trees and flowers.

The team is now looking for fresh ideas about how to make a difference in the community.

Any group, charity or organisation can enter, and any task will be considered.

Perhaps a community centre needs redecorating, or a green space needs clearing up? Maybe the volunteers could visit elderly residents in a care home?

Submit your idea by sending an email to mitzvahday@london.newsquest.co.uk