FORMER England rugby union World Cup winner Lewis Moody is urging young sports individuals and clubs to grasp their last chance to win a £200,000 jackpot thanks to a leading housebuilder.

Persimmon Homes - which is building new homes on the former George Ward School site in Melksham - launched its Healthy Communities scheme in May as part of a national initiative which aims to give away more than £600,000 in cash to sports groups and individuals.

Under the scheme, a host of regional prizes of £750 are up for grabs every month, with amateur sports teams and individuals aged 21 years and under eligible to apply. The money is to be spent on sports kit, equipment, coaching or facilities.

The scheme will close at the end of December with a shortlist of 30 drawn up in January from all the entries nationwide. They will go forward to a national final to be decided on a public vote, with the winning club or individual receiving £200,000 while two runners-up will receive £50,000 each and 27 finalist awards of £5,000 each.

Healthy Communities is in addition to the £720,000 Persimmon Homes already donates through its hugely successful Community Champions programme each year.

Persimmon Homes Wessex has recently announced its latest monthly winner Mad Dog Sport, developed by former England Rugby player Lewis Moody.

Mad Dog Sport, provides rugby programmes that are integrated into the 6th form of state schools and academies. Together with boys’ education, they focus on the continuation of players’ personal development using rugby as a foundation.

Mr Moody, chief executive officer of Mad Dog Sport, said: “It is great to see a national company like Persimmon Homes getting involved with youth sport and providing such a fantastic funding opportunity.

“We’re delighted to have received the donation to help towards buying extra kit and equipment for our programmes.

“If you’re looking to improve your club’s facilities then Persimmon Homes’ Healthy Communities is a great funding opportunity – get your applications in now!”

Persimmon Homes’ sales and marketing director Pauline Fletcher is now urging people to apply as there are only a few weeks left until the scheme closes.

She said: “Everyone, regardless of whether they win a monthly prize, will be considered as a national finalist. We are looking for sports teams and individuals who have amazing ideas on how to spend £200,000 to come forward.

“We will consider anything from new clubhouses, to training centres, facilities or gyms, or it may be people who want to spend the cash on the development of future Olympians. We’re very excited to see the projects that are put forward.”

To find out more or to enter Healthy Communities visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity