Community groups who provide activities for young people in rural areas can bid for funding from April 23.

This is under Shropshire Council's Rural Youth Activity Fund, and there will be £33,000 of funding available - through two funding rounds – for youth groups and clubs in the eleven eligible rural Local Joint Committee (LJC) areas.

The eligible rural Local Joint Committee areas include St Oswald and Llanmynech, Ellesmere, Tern and Severn Valley and Wem.

Nick Bardsley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children’s services, said: “I’m delighted that the council is able to make this funding available for young people living in our most rural areas. The funding has previously been used for a range of activities – youth clubs, sport and art programmes and health awareness training – all of which has been greatly valued by young people.

“I would urge all youth groups in the eligible areas to get in touch with us for details of how to apply, so that they too can make a difference in their community.”

Each LJC area has been allocated £3,000 to put towards activities that will make a difference to the lives of young people.

The funding rounds will be open from April 23 to May 20, and from October 15 to November 12. Applications for the first round of funding can be made from April 23.

Youth clubs and groups interested in applying for funding should first check their eligibility with their local Shropshire Councillor, or the Community Enablement Team (CET).

The CET can be contacted on 01743 253077 or at communityenablement@shropshire.gov.uk, and will also be able to give full details of how to apply to the fund.