PEOPLE in Pendle are being encouraged to kick-start a healthier lifestyle this summer, thanks to a £1,300 grant.

Whitefield Community Sports Association has been awarded the money from Pendle Partnership's Community Chest fund.

It will be used to fund additional sporting activities, coaching, and promotional materials for the Association.

It is hoped that the grant will encourage more young people in the Nelson area to lead a healthier life by getting involved in sporting activity.

Officials believe the initiative will help reduce the number of young people on the streets who cause juvenile nuisance.

Everyone is welcome to get involved.

Anne Taylor of Pendle Partnership said: "Encouraging young people to play sport together on the same team will help to break down cultural barriers."

Pendle Partnership's Community Chest Fund provides up to £20,000 of small grants each year to community and voluntary sector organisations whose work benefits people living in the Single Regeneration Budget 6 -- Government money for deprived parts of the country -- of Nelson and Brierfield.

Grants must be used to to encourage things like social inclusion; economic development; lifelong learning; healthy living or better housing.

Jamil Mohammed, Community and Voluntary Sector co-ordinator added: "This shows that the Government's regeneration cash is getting through to local communities -- Community Chest Grants are really accessible."

To get an application pack, contact Jamil on 01282 661963 or email jamil.mohammed

@pendle.gov.uk.