YOUTH groups in the borough are invited to apply for a share of a £5,000 funding pot to help turn their ideas into reality.

Wigan and Leigh Youth Cabinet members have set up the Youth Inspiration Fund to boost "inspirational projects" that will help young people.

Up to £500 is available for each application with youth representatives making the decisions on how the funds will be spent.

David Higginbottom, a 17-year-old youth cabinet member, said: “We’re looking for interesting, imaginative ideas that will help other young people in your community.

“You might want to get a new kit for your sports group, run some training, get some new publicity materials for your youth club or put on a play with a positive message.”

The Youth Cabinet has been supported to set up the fund by Cllr Jenny Bullen, cabinet member for children and young people, and Cllr Susan Gambles, lead member for youth opportunities.

Cllr Bullen said: “The Youth Inspiration Fund is important because it is wholly managed by our youth cabinet members and open to application for inspirational projects from young people aged 8 to 19.

“I hope that lots of young people will take this opportunity to apply.”

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Cllr Gambles added: “Communities regularly tell us how important it is that we offer activities for teenagers and it is the young people themselves who have the best understanding of what they need.

“This is a really practical way for young people to make that difference for themselves and for other young people in their local area.”

The fund is open for applications until January 2020.

To apply for up to £500 per youth group, young people should go to www.wigan.gov.uk/LINC2. The application form is in the "Have Your Say" section.

If you think you might need more than £500 for your community project, the latest round of the Deal for Communities Investment Fund is open now until February 2020.

Bids that will benefit children, young people and families are encouraged. For more details visit www.wigan.gov.uk/TheDeal.