PROJECTS for young people are in with another chance of receiving a financial boost over the next two years.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has over £590,000 of funding for young people aged 13-19yrs, as part of its Youth Opportunity and Youth Capital Funds.

The funds, which have been running since 2006, were created following a meeting with young people to find out how the project could be developed.

At that meeting it was decided the young people would form a decision making panel and the first funds were given out in January 2007.

Councillor Ian Jeffrey, the council's cabinet member for children's services and education, said "The Youth Opportunity Fund is a fantastic tool that wants to involve young people, especially hard to reach young people, in identifying positive activities, places to go and things to do. I would encourage all eligible groups to make a bid for funding."

A panel of young people, who have volunteered from across the borough, meet every month, guided by co-ordinator Aggie Scott, to discuss applications for funding, split into two main streams.

The biggest funding allocations are through the Youth Capital Fund, which can grant up to £50,000, designed to develop existing or new facilities for young people.

The aim of this fund is to enhance existing provision or establish new youth provision for young people in the borough.

Then there is the Youth Opportunity Fund, which can offer up to £400 for individual grants or up to £8,000 for groups, falling into one of four categories - sport, culture, recreation or volunteering.

Coun Jeffrey added: "We have put the control of both the Youth Opportunity Fund and Youth Capital Fund in the hands of trained young people, they meet on a monthly basis to decide on the youth grant applications.

Since the funds started handing out cast in 2007, over 300 applications have been made to the funds with 160 being successful and receiving a share of £588,000.

Anyone who works with children and young people and would like to know more, or to volunteer to the panel contact Aggie Scott, project co-ordinator, on 01642-476367 or e-mail yof@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk