VOLUNTEER groups working with Droitwich teenagers are being urged to put a bid in for a cash boost before it is too late.

Worcestershire County Council has been offering an extra £250,000 to help youth groups expand their activities.

But currently no groups from Droitwich have applied for any of the money, which is rapidly being snapped up.

Sharyn Clarke, from Youthworcs, which is allocating the money, said: "We haven't had any groups from Droitwich apply yet and with only £85,000 now left and only two weeks to go before the deadline, time is running out."

The money is available to any groups that work with people aged 13 to 19 and can be used to fund activities or pay for new facilities.

Previous successful bids have included young drivers' courses, kayak and canoeing weekends, disco equipment and the installation of a hearing loop.

Secretary of the Westlands Community Centre in Droitwich Amanda Edge said: "I didn't realise that this money was available. It is definitely something we will look at now.

"We are trying to get a youth club up and running again and we also want to start a coffee morning on Wednesdays so we could do with some funding.

"We have been trying to get funding to pay for essential electrical repairs at the centre. The boxing club have been waiting to move in but these repairs need to be completed first."

Because of the amount of interest in the extra cash the fourth round of application forms, which were due to be returned by Friday, October 29, have been cancelled and instead the third round has been extended until Thursday, September 30. This means all applications must be in by that date.

For an application form or more information contact Sharyn Clarke or Julie Bishop at Youthworcs on 01905 765506.