YOUNG people are being encouraged to use the Christmas holidays to think of activities they would like to help set up.

Darlington Borough Council's youth service has been awarded £310,000 of Government money for youth projects in the borough over the next two years.

A scheme has been launched, called The Dosh, which will make sure funding is given to projects devised and run by young people and youth organisations.

The Dosh allows young people to get the facilities and activities they want in their neighbourhoods and also encourages them to help set up and run the schemes.

Larger applications for funding are considered by a board of young people, who will receive training so they can assess and process applications for money.

It is the first time young people will have a role in distributing funding in the borough.

The council's youth service is also recruiting adults to work with the youngsters to turn their ideas into reality.

Chris McEwan, the council's cabinet member for children's services, said: "During the Christmas holiday I hope young people will think about the kind of activities and projects they would like to take part in and whether they could be involved in setting them up.

"The Dosh is a great way for young people to influence what activities are provided and to work with the Youth Service and other volunteers to provide popular and interesting events."

For further information, call 01325-346431 or log onto www.dar lington.gov.uk/thedosh