A GROUP which helps "at risk" youngsters with arts activities is seeking council funding.

Barnard Castle-based Jack Drum Arts has been working with 12 youngsters from the town, aged between eight and 13, since the beginning of the year.

Each of the children had been referred to the arts group by their schools as they were identified as failing academically or suffering from deprivation or social problems.

Jack Drum has written to Barnard Castle Town Council for assistance in raising £2,000 so it can carry on the project for a second year.

The group consulted the youngsters on what activities they wanted and for two hours a week at Marwood Village Hall ran drama and arts-based activities. There was also cooking and craft, outdoor team-building sessions at Hamsterley Forest and a residential weekend at the end of the programme.

Jack Drum director Jill Cole told the council: "The highlight of the project was, for them, undoubtedly, taking part in the Meet parade.

"Winning third prize provided recognition and praise which most had never had in their lives before and being given their first ever medal meant more to them than those judging the event will probably ever know."

For the group to meet again, Jack Drum needs to raise £200 a session to cover the cost of a minibus, support workers, venue hire and food.

Ms Cole said she is looking at several funding opportunities but is hoping the town council might help.

The council's finance committee is to discuss the issue today, at 7.30pm, in the council chamber at Teesdale House, Galgate.