A City of York Council scheme is offering youth groups in York the chance to apply for a share of £145,000.

YorKash will be giving money to local groups and projects that have a long-term benefit to York's young people.  The funding, which comes from the government's Youth Opportunities Fund and the Youth Capital Fund, will go towards different aspects of groups and projects including equipment, building development, staffing costs and facilities hire.

The funding allocation, which can be anything over £1,500  for each group, is decided by a panel of eleven 13-19 year-olds from the city who have designed and carried out the funding process.

Carole Pugh, YorKash coordinator at City of York Council, said: "Last year we provided funding for over ten local projects to enable them to help support and benefit young people in York. Projects like The Jam Factory have since been able to provide music tuition for bands and artists to make and record their own music; other projects like New Earswick Basketball Group also received funding to build a sports recreation area in New Earswick and the Skaterbeach project built new skate ramps in Osbaldwick.

"Any youth project in York can apply for funding and we encourage as many as possible to apply. We want to provide kash to as many projects as possible, so remember to get your application in before 12 February."

To find out more information about the funding process or to apply for funding please visit www.yor-ok.org.uk/yorkash or contact Carole Pugh 01904 552350 or carole.pugh@york.gov.uk

The deadline for applications is Friday 12 February.