YOUNG environmentalists are encouraged to apply for grants of up to £1,000 to make their green dreams a reality.

The Youth Environmental Action Fund is offering cash and support to 11-24-year-olds in and around the Yorkshire Dales to develop environmental project ideas.

Grants of between £50 and £1,000 are available to cover the cost of running events, meetings or workshops which aim to create awareness of environmental issues in local communities.

The cash can also be used to buy resources for practical work that will improve the natural environment.

It is part of the Green Futures programme, led by Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT), working with local partners to create green role models.

Successful projects include the creation of a wildlife garden and developing plastics recycling campaigns.

Gail Smith, Green Futures project manager at YDMT, said: “We want to help young people to achieve their green dreams.

“It’s easy to apply for funding, so if you’re interested in setting up your own environmental project please get in touch for a chat – we’d love to help you make a difference in your community.”

Green Futures forms part of Our Bright Future – comprising 31 youth-led projects across the UK which receive around £1m of funding from the Big Lottery Fund.

For more information and to apply for a grant visit; ydmt.org/action-fund or call Sarah Deane at Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust on 01524-251002.

The deadline for applications is 12pm on Monday, January 22.