YOUTH groups in Worcestershire are being reminded they can bid for a share of £30,000 in grant money from Monday.

Worcestershire County Council’s positive activities grants scheme entails all 57 councillors being allocated up to £3,500 to distribute to, or between, voluntary sector organisations working with children and young people in their divisions.

A total of £1,870 was given to support projects in Worcester during phase one, which included grants for the Dragon Boat Youth Crew for race events during the summer, Inca Scouts summer camp and the Lyppard Grange Youth Club for the Worcestershire Schools Regatta Challenge.

Those eligible, which include community, charity or faith groups, must request funding for the direct delivery of activities for youngsters aged between eight and 19 years old.

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that children and young people have been involved in identifying the need for the activities and will play a part in making the project a success.

The activities must also support those taking part in achieving one or more of the Every Child Matters outcomes, which are being healthy, staying safe, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution or economic wellbeing.

Geoff Taylor-Smith, head of community partnership at the council, said: “The positive activities grants have already proven to be very popular and the help provided to groups across Worcestershire has potentially benefited more than 20,000 young people.

“Anyone who thinks their group or organisation could benefit is encouraged to get in touch to obtain an application form.”

Applications to county councillors will be considered from Monday and groups are advised to apply early.

There is no closing date but all grants must be spent by March 31, 2010.

For more information and application forms, contact Anne Roberts on 01905 765506 or e-mail aroberts1@worcestershire.gov.uk. The form is also available to download from worcestershire.gov.uk/positiveactivities.

For a full list of county councillors and the division they represent visit worcestershire.gov.uk/councillors. The website also includes a postcode search to help people unsure of who their local member might be.