A COMMUNITY fund enabling young people to run their own projects is being set up in an area of Sunderland.

The Keyfund will offer groups of young people aged from 11 to 21, in Grindon, Plains Farm, Thorney Close, Springwell and Farringdon, the chance to apply for up to £1,000 per group.

They will receive help with their application, and will have to present their ideas to a community-led panel, which will decide whether to award funding.

To qualify for the highest amounts available, the groups will have to prove there is an element of community benefit in their proposed project.

Funding for projects will come from the Government's Single Regeneration Budget (SRB).

A Keyfund spokesman said: "The Keyfund will offer real opportunities to young people, giving them a chance to learn new skills, take part in something they are interested in, boost their self-esteem and improve their image among residents.

"Through applying to the fund, young people learn to take responsibility for a project, as well as gaining skills in communication, problem solving, time management and dealing with people in authority."

A Keyfund scheme has been running in Pennywell for almost three years, with young people taking part in activities such as stadium visits and arranging for more than 70 people to go to a football match.

Louise Wilson, SRB co-ordinator, said: "Some original ideas have come from the youngsters in Pennywell that Keyfund has been able to pay for. We are looking forward to seeing what young people in these communities want to do."