A DORSET-based brewery has extended the deadline for charities to apply for a share of £50,000. Hall & Woodhouse, an independent family-owned brewer founded in Blandford in 1777, has extended the deadline for applications to its Community Chest Awards to May 17 to give more charities the chance to submit an entry. The awards, which were set up almost 20 years ago, aim to give communities a helping hand, and local voluntary organisations in regions where Hall & Woodhouse operate can apply online for grants up to £4,000 to support their cause. A total of £50,000 has been pledged by the brewery and a grant can go towards improving a variety of different aspects of the local area, for example, by helping the youth, elderly, disabled, arts or environment.