It's hard to believe it's 25 years since Midcalf Nicholls first created a new estate agency in Stourbridge, specialising in residential sales and lettings.

Its co-founder, Robert Nicholls, is a well-known and established member of the local business community and still very much takes a leading role in its day-to-day operation.

The success of the Stourbridge office prompted the arrival of the Kinver office in 1998 and since then the firm has acquired a name for selling and letting homes in areas such as Wolverley, Cookley, Caunsall, Lawnswood, Blakedown, Belbroughton and Stourton, as well as, obviously, in Stourbridge and Kinver themselves.

To celebrate this outstanding achievement, Midcalf Nicholls is looking to say a big thank you to the communities it serves by launching an Anniversary Fund of £2500 to give away to local, charitable organisations.

The fund will be broken down into £250 grants and worthy causes are invited to apply by downloading a form from the firm's website.

"We've always been supportive of local communities," says Robert. "We're a people business and selling homes is about having conversations, not just putting properties on sales portals.

"By getting involved and employing expert people with good local knowledge, you build up lasting relationships. Often we know exactly who will be interested in a property before a sales board has even gone up."

Robert continues: "To sell effectively, you have to get on the phone, talk to people and make opportunities happen. That's not to say you can't move with the times. We've really embraced technology and social media too, utilising Facebook and Twitter, for example, to promote properties. However there's no substitute for personal contact and experience and in the end, that's what makes the difference."

Midcalf Nicholls is looking to hear from charities and organisations that are passionate about what they do in their communities. To apply for a £250 grant, simply download the Anniversary Fund form from www.midcalf-nicholls.com. Ten applicants will be selected to receive the fund.

The firm will be highlighting all of the charities it supports through its website and Facebook pages, showing how the money donated helps to make a difference to the organisation concerned and to the community.

The 25th Anniversary Fund will run until December 31st, 2017 and all those applying need to be registered charities.