A new round of applications for funding to help finance activities for youngsters in the Forest of Dean is underway.

Grants of up to £5,000 are available through the Forest Youth Activities Fund for voluntary and community sector organisations, small, informal groups and established youth organisation.

Offered by the Forest of Dean District Council in partnership with Gloucestershire County Council, the grants will help provide a range of activities that make a positive difference for young people living in the Forest of Dean district.

Funding of £9,916.02 is still available for 2017-18, and may be used to help cover activity delivery costs, such as venue hire, equipment or session materials and staffing costs with grants of between £500 and £5,000 available.

Councillor Gareth Hughes, member champion for Children and Young People, said: "So far this year the funding has enabled 16 groups from across the district to provide a wide range of projects.

"These included village youth clubs, dance sessions, art clubs, music sessions, sporting activities, scouts projects, youth theatre and counselling for young people."

Cllr Tim Gwilliam, leader of the Forest of Dean District Council and cabinet member for children and young people, encouraged groups to apply for the funding as soon as possible, while it was still available.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for organisations and groups to obtain funding for projects which deliver activities that enable young people to have fun whilst learning new skills."

Grants are available for organisations which support youngsters aged 11-19 and up to 25 years for young people with additional needs.

Ellwood Youth Football Club was one of the groups that received funding in the first round of applications.

Chairman Jason Bevan said: "We would like to thank the District Council for its continued support, as without the funding we wouldn't be able to grow and help the young people in the local area."

The application form and guidance notes are available to download on the Community Grants & Funding page on the council's website www.fdean.gov.uk , or alternatively, call the Community Engagement Team on 01594 810000.

Applications will be assessed on a first come, first served basis until the remaining funding is allocated.

Picture: Ellwood Youth Football Club with their grant cheque from the Forest Youth Activities Fund