UNIFORMED youth groups across Northumberland are to benefit from thousands of pounds in funding to support their work in the community.

A £25,000 fund has been launched by Northumberland County Council and successful applicants could receive up to £1,000.

The aim of the fund is to support uniformed groups in providing services to young people and to help contribute to the county’s recovery from Covid-19.

Wayne Daley, cabinet member for children’s services at the county council, said: “Uniformed youth services play a key role in so many childhoods, helping to instil good values in young people which are carried through as they mature. They bring people together for fun, adventure and friendships while teaching valuable life skills.

“We know there are large numbers of volunteers in the county and we hope this fund will open up further opportunities for more people to get involved in volunteering.”

The fund is a local addition to a national initiative launched by the Government in 2018 to increase opportunities for disadvantaged children to take part in youth organisations.

Applicants must be a charitable or voluntary not for profit organisation, such as the police cadets.

The closing date for applications is Friday, July 17.