VOLUNTEERS working for a Rossendale environmental project were celebrating today after scooping a £50,000 cash windfall from the Government.

Groundwork Rossendale secured the funds from the Home Office Volunteer Recruitment Fund to support their work in the community.

The project aims to tap into the individual interests and abilities of underprivileged young people.

The extra funding will enable the project to provide activities for the young people.

They will include outdoor adventure, audio and video work, environmental projects,health and safety and first aid.

Groundwork Rossendale's youth programme manager Jane Farrell said: "This award from is very valuable because it builds on the good work that the youth works project has already been doing with the young people and the local community.

"We prove beyond doubt that the young people society might otherwise write off as a 'problem' can help themselves if we give them the chance.

"The new funds will help more young people, who might otherwise expect to achieve very little in their lives."

All the activities will be based on learning from experience and young people will develop coping strategies, plan and undertake activities so they can reflect on the results.

They will also receive guidance on problem-solving, working within a team, communication skills and anger management skills. In addition to the new project, Groundwork Rossendale has spelled out ambitious £1 million plans to complete 12 sports developments across the Valley to help in the fight to cut juvenile nuisance.

Applications have been submitted for sites in Rawtenstall, Stacksteads, Waterfoot and Whitworth.

The project has already seen skate parks created in Moller Ring Park, Crawshawbooth; Stubbylee Park, Bacup; and the Pennine Road estate, Bacup. All have been hailed a success.