The Times & Independent Series newsteam will swap shorthand pads for shovels and get their hands dirty this Mitzvah Day - but there is still time to tell us how you think we can help.

The deadline to enter the competition to win our team of reporters to help your charity this Mitzvah Day has been extended by two days, meaning you now have until Wednesday, November 5 to apply.

So far, projects ranging from bulb planting to blood drives and card making to collecting clothes gor the homeless have been nominated.

Mitzvah Day, which will be held on November 16, is a day on which thousands of volunteers donate their time rather than money to charity and community projects.

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

To enter, e-mail your name, phone number and event to aslater@london.newsquest.co.uk by 5pm Wednesday, November 5.