REDDITCH voluntary groups who work with young people are being urged to bid for cash from the county council.

An extra £250,000 has been pumped into Worcestershire County Council's youth service budget this year, so officials are asking those who provide services for 13 to 19 year olds to apply for cash to enhance provision.

Cabinet member for education June Longmuir said: "The additional £250,000 in this year's budget is a county commitment to closer partnership with the voluntary sector.

"This development has a two-fold purpose.

"Firstly to add to or complement the provision of the traditional youth service and secondly, to involve the young people themselves in the selection of the final bids and monitoring their progress, all of which encourages them to widen their management of the affairs of their own service.

"I hope young people will realise this is local democracy in action and become more interested in real local government and what it means to them."

Groups interested in an application form can call Sharyn Clarke or Julie Bishop on 01905 765506.