STROUD District Council is making grants of up to £1,000 available to youth projects operating in the Five Valleys.

The Stroud Youth Activities Fund is designed to make a positive difference to young people and encourage them to become active citizens in their community.

It is being run by SDC in conjunction with Stroud District Youth Council, which has formed a panel made up of young people to assess the grant applications.

SDC's executive member for community services, Cllr June Cordwell (Lib Dem, Wotton Under Edge), said: "The grant programme is available to all young people living in the Stroud district.

"Adults can apply on behalf of young people as it is open to established groups or organisations, however a group of young people could also get together to apply for funding."

Kieran Chadwick, of Stroud District Youth Council, said: "The grant programme provides opportunities to fund short-term activities like educational trips out, themed arts and music projects, first aid training and cookery workshops."

The deadline for applications is Friday, February 15, 2013.

Application forms and further details are available at www.youth.stroud.gov.uk or by emailing community.safety@stroud.gov.uk or by calling 01453 754276