HEREFORDSHIRE has been given almost half a million pounds to help projects for young people to get off the ground.

Now the council is looking for volunteers to help manage the fund. A total of £450,000 has come from the government's youth opportunity and capital fund, and has to be spent on increasing the range of things to do and places to go for young people over the next three years.

The fund is managed by a panel of people aged between 13 and 19 from around the county, supported by Herefordshire Council.

The panel meets regularly to decide who gets the money and how it is spent but, with many soon off to college or university, it needs new members.

In the past two years, the panel has given £300,000 to projects around the county, including sporting events, film making, gardening, DJ workshops, healthy eating and trips away.

To qualify, projects must be youth initiated and youth led with adult support.

As well as making decisions, panel members help in the general management of the scheme and are responsible for making sure the money benefits those in most in need.

Training and ongoing support is offered to help recruits assess applications fairly, and travel costs are paid.

Amy Lunt, youth involvement worker, welcomed the news the panel would be continuing for another three years.

"This is a great opportunity for our young people to develop their skills, get their voice heard and make a real difference for the young in Herefordshire.

"We want to make sure there are lots of activities in the county for young people to access and that young people are influencing decisions, so it's really important we get a good representation on the panel.

"Everyone who joins the panel gets full support and training and recognition for their work - and they really seem to enjoy the experience."

Call Amy on 01432 383008 or text 07792 880202 to find out more about getting involved with the panel and applying for funds.