YOUNG people across Wyre Forest have been encouraged to get involved in summer projects which will benefit their communities.

This Lifestyle 2005 scheme, which was launched at Kidderminster Youth Centre yesterday, gives youngsters the chance to help other people as well as benefiting the environment.

It is organised by Worcestershire Youth Service together with the neighbourhood wardens and will run from Saturday until Friday, September 2.

Eleven to 18-year-olds were able to register their community projects in teams of between two and five people yesterday.

Participants need to keep records of what they are doing, which can be written, in audio or video format or shown through a book of photographs.

The youth centre in Bromsgrove Street will be open every Thursday afternoon from 1pm until 4pm for anyone who wants to use the facilities and computers.