TWO projects to improve young people's prospects in the North-East have been launched.

The Grove Hill 2000 Regeneration Partnership Board is spearheading the projects, costing £110,000 during two years, in the Grove Hill, Beechwood and Longlands areas of Middlesbrough.

In all, 900 primary and infant school pupils in the areas will be eligible to benefit from them.

As schools links officer, Jenny Robinson will coordinate a range of out-of-school and holiday activities for the children.

Supported by a team of childcare specialists, she will also work with disaffected pupils and their parents, examining the opportunities for older children to act as mentors and improving links between schools and the community.

Ms Robinson said: "This is a marvellous opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of youngsters in Grove Hill. The project aims to help reduce truancy and juvenile crime, as well as get parents more involved in local schools and community organisations.

"I'm looking forward to meeting as many young people as possible this summer."

Among the activities Ms Robinson will help run are children's football and other sports, and an after-school homework club.

In the second project, Grove Hill 2000 will work with the Cleveland Youth Association to run a drugs education project for young people.

Youth workers will organise information programmes, outdoor development activities, healthy eating schemes and residential visits.