YOUNG people with a desire to improve their communities are being invited to take part in an exciting new project.

The 3 Towns Youth Forum is seeking new members as it begins to organise an annual awards evening to celebrate the achievements of young people in Crook, Willington, Tow Law and surrounding areas.

The forum is open to young people aged ten to 18 years who live, work, volunteer or go to school in the communities served by the 3 Towns Area Action Partnership.

It meets monthly, usually on a Tuesday evening at Crook Business Centre, and is responsible for managing grants for youth projects, as well as getting involved with various events throughout the year.

The appeal coincides with a new pot of funding for projects that help children and young people in the area. Grants of between £200 and £500 are available from the £4,000 pot, which can used for equipment, day trips, running costs, staffing, training or start-up for projects for children and young people up to age 19. Ideas and applications must come from children and young people themselves and applicants who have received money in the past may be able to reapply.

The annual programme is managed by the 3 Towns AAP and the 3 Towns Youth forum who will decide which projects will receive a share of the cash.

To find out more about the youth forum or to apply for a grant from the funding pot, contact the AAP team on 03000 267539 or threetownsaaap@durham.gov.uk

Regular updates about the AAP and its activities can also be found on its Facebook page.