YOUTH groups can apply for a share of £200,000 to help boost their funds.

Worcestershire county councillors are calling for groups and organisations to get in touch to help youth provision throughout the county.

All 57 county councillors have been allocated £3,500 each in Government funding to distribute to voluntary sector organisations in their area that work with children and young people.

Those eligible, which include community groups, charities and faith organisations, must request funding for the direct delivery of positive activities for children and young people aged between eight and 19.

Councillor Liz Eyre, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member for children and young people, said: "I am a firm believer that children and young people and those who support them, know best what will work best in their area, what is already available and where the gaps are.

"This money, partly funded by the council and partly by the Children's Fund, will allow the voluntary sector to plug these gaps in positive activities and directly improve the quality of life for children and young people living in the areas that the county councillors represent. Projects that include matched funding and are clearly supported by the young people themselves are those that will be most appealing to councillors."

Applications must be submitted to county councillors between Thursday, May 1, and Thursday, July 31.

Applications will be considered as they are received but early applications are advised.

To qualify, applicants must show that children and young people have been involved in identifying the need for activities and will play a full part in making the project a success.

Only applications for activities that will take place before the end of March 2009 will be considered. The funding cannot be used for new buildings or refurbishments.

Application forms and further information is available by calling Anne Roberts on 01905 765506 or e-mailing aroberts1@worcestershire. gov.uk. Applications can also be downloaded from www. worcestershire.gov.uk/positiveactivitiesgrants.