YOUNG people in the county are to have more places to go and more things to do thanks to funding for projects across Worcestershire.

Earlier in the year, 56 activity groups successfully applied for a share of Worcestershire County Council's £282,374 worth of Youth Opportunity Fund cash.

Now another 62 activity groups, including an African drumming club in Worcester and a young parents' group in Evesham, have benefited.

Responsibility for handing out the money was given to a team of teenagers and the move was part of Funding Lots of Stuff (FLOSS) - a scheme aimed at giving 13 to 19-year-olds the chance to provide their contemporaries with more places to go and things to do in the county.

Cabinet member for children and young people, Councillor Liz Eyre, said: "The young people have benefited immensely from FLOSS. They have not only formed new friendships, but learnt valuable skills."

Known collectively as the FLOSS management group, the young people were trained to be young assessors, a role that involved them visiting projects across the county to decide where the money should be allocated.

The group will also be responsible for deciding how next year's Youth Opportunity Fund (£282,374) will be spent. Young people interested in getting involved should call Joe Green on 01905 827489 or e-mail jgreen1@worcestershire.gov.uk