COMMUNITY and voluntary groups in Hartlepool are being urged to dip into a £10,000 cash pool to help fund activities for youngsters aged 11 to 19.

Grants of up to £1,000 are available, but they can only be used to help fund events in addition to those already planned.

The money has been given to Hartlepool Borough Council by the Government Office for the North-East.

Priority will be given to activities which take place in disadvantaged areas, help to cut crime, encourage integration or involve ethnic minorities.

Chris Hart, the council's community development officer, said: "We are delighted to receive this money, and we look forward to hearing from a wide range of local groups interested in applying for a share of it.

"I would urge people to act quickly, as the closing date for applications (September 7) will soon be here."

For further information and an application form, contact (01429) 523737