COMMUNITY groups which provide new opportunities for children and young people in hard-pressed Lancashire communities are being encouraged to make last-minute bids for their share of a £500,000 fund.

The £500,000 is what is left of this year's Local Network Fund budget, which must be spent by April 2004.

Fund spokesman Dave Roberts said: "There is a significant number of children and young people in Lancashire who are experiencing isolation and lack of opportunity because of social problems within their own communities.

"The aim of the Local Network Fund is to help address those challenges by creating new opportunities for young people to achieve their aspirations, and fulfil their potential."

He added: "Grants worth £500,000 have already enabled many community-based groups to make progress in these challenges. We're keen to see more applications for the funds that remain."

Among those groups being targeted are small, grass-roots organisations which may not be members of a formal voluntary sector network, and may not have experience of applying for funds.

Area committees have been set up to consider applications from organisations in Chorley, Ribble Valley, Hyndburn, Pendle, Burnley, and Blackburn with Darwen.

The Local Network Fund was launched in 2001 by The Children and Young People's Unit (CYPU) of the Department for Education and Skills, as part of the Government's drive to eradicate child poverty over the next 20 years.

Further information and an application form is available on 0845 113 0161.