A GROUP dedicated to the idea of making a real difference to young people's lives are going to have more fun thanks to Gannett, The Northern Echo's parent company.

The Friarage Scoutlink was set up just over a year ago to allow children of mixed abilities to join the Scout movement.

Now they have been awarded a grant of £500 by the Gannett Foundation to help them buy play and activity equipment so that the youngsters can enjoy a more varied programme.

It will also help them to buy a group flag.

Although the 2nd North-allerton Special Scout Group is based in the county town, they have members travelling from as far afield as Catterick, Thirsk and Harrogate.

The group started thanks to volunteers from the children's ward at the Friarage Hospital and local Scout leaders

The group, which meets on a monthly basis at the Hambleton Forum, in Northallerton, has a membership of 18 youngsters, aged from six to 12, and with varied disabilities

Assistant group Scout leader Simon Hickling said: "I think it is great that such a large organisation as yours is still willing and able to support local initiatives like Scoutlink.

"The money is going to enable us to enhance the lives of these young people, who are, many for the first time, enjoying a taste of Scouting through Scoutlink."

* Another round of grants from the Gannett Foundation will be available later in the year. For more details about the Gannett Foundation log on to the www. gannettfoundation. org website.