A CHALLENGE is going out to children and young people in Middlesbrough to make a difference in the community.

Youngsters aged between eight and 19 are being asked to come up with ideas to improve life in an area of the town undergoing a £52m revamp.

Kevin Franks, young people's development co-ordinator with the West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust, said: "We want young people from the trust area, which includes Newport, West Lane and Whinney Banks, to think of an event or activity which will improve their community.

"Then, either by themselves or with a group of friends, we want them to carry out their idea during Make a Difference Day.

"There may be a local park that needs cleaning up, the youth centre may need a lick of paint or they may have the skills to organise a five-a-side competition.

"It could even be as simple as washing a busy neighbour's car for free or doing some gardening for an older person.

"These are just some ideas to get people thinking but we're keen for people to come up with their own exciting ideas."

Those who come up with the best ideas will be awarded prizes which include mountain bikes and an activity day.

National Make a Difference Day can be any day between Saturday, October 23, and Thursday, October 28.

Peer support worker with the trust, Andrew Vickers, 17, said: "I've been working with the trust for a couple of years now and got involved in loads of different projects.

"I think it's great that young people are getting an opportunity to show what they can do."

Call Cath Taylor for more details and an application pack, on (01642) 230555.