An innovative project led by City of York Council and aimed at encouraging children at risk of social exclusion to get involved in out of school activities has received a welcome funding boost.

Altogether Active, a multi-agency project set up last year to support children who are vulnerable, looked after or at risk of social exclusion, has been awarded £1,000 in funding from British Transport Police. The cheque was presented to the council's inclusion officer for early years and extended schools, Maxine Benson, at a recent conference held at the Park Inn, York.

Altogether Active is supported by a number of key partners, including York St John University College and York and Selby Primary Care Trust. It works with children aged between five and 19 years to help shape and change their lives, and, ultimately, improve their lifes chances.

The project runs during the schools holidays and offers children and young people the chance to take part in a wide range of activites. It builds their confidence by encouraging them to try activites that they would not normally engage in. It also offers them stability and access to professionals who can help to address some of the issues that could lead to them being socially excluded.

The donation from British Transport Police will be used to expand the project to include more children with complex needs by offering one-to-one support and introducing a mentoring programme so that older children can work alongside younger ones.

Maxine Benson explained: "We also want to start introducing outdoor education opportunities to young people who never get the chance to go out of the city. We are really grateful to British Transport Police for supporting this very worthwhile project, which has already benefited many local children and young people."