YOUTH groups in Wyre Forest can again bid for a slice of cash aimed at helping them increase their activities.

FLOSS - Funding Lots of Super Stuff - has returned for a third year, with £250,000 up for grabs. Again, it will be young people, themselves, who will decide who shares in the cash.

The money is made available from the Youth Opportunity Fund through Worcestershire County Council.

So far, £544,729 has been distributed to 277 groups throughout the districts and the Worcestershire Children and Young People's Strategic Partnership has decided that the system should continue for the latest round of funding.

A group of 15 young people will have responsibility for deciding how the £282,374 is dished out over the next four months.

Young people have been trained to assess projects applying for funding, looking to make sure projects are based on young people's ideas, they benefit young people in some way and that they provide value for money.

Grants of up to £2,500 can be applied for and spent on anything that will benefit groups of young people aged 13 to 19 in some way.

Applications are being accepted now, while closing date for the first round is noon on Friday, May 16, which should allow time for funding to be accessed for activities during the summer holidays.

Conservative councillor, Liz Eyre, cabinet member for young people, said: "Enhancing services to young people is a county council priority and, over the last two years, that's exactly what FLOSS has helped to do.

"Some of the projects funded by the scheme have been fantastic and that's because of the way that young people themselves are able to get involved in the way the money has been shared around.

"Local county councillors have also had the chance to shape the way the funding has been distributed and this has led to schemes that are relevant and address community's needs. Long may it continue."

More training for young people to take part in the decision-making panels in each district will take place in three sessions throughout April and May.

Young people looking to take part in the training or groups that want to play for funding, should contact Gemma Benton, youth voice development worker, on 01905 779893 or Rachel Adams or Cheryl Cullen on 01905 827489.