VOLUNTARY groups are being urged to provide services to prevent youngsters "dropping out".

Bury Council hopes that local organisations will apply for money under the Children's Fund, a Government-led scheme to help young people aged five to 13, and their families.

Successful groups will receive funding from April 2003 to March 2006. The money can also be won by statutory bodies, provided it is for projects on top of their statutory duties. Joint applications will also be considered.

Nationally, the Children's Fund objectives include: reductions in truancy and school exclusion; improved educational performance; reduced youth crime and re-convictions; better social care and health measures; more use of existing services by commonly excluded groups; and more involvement of young people and adults in service delivery.

Following consultation, a list of local priorities has also been drawn up.

Councillor Sylvia Mason, Bury Council's youth spokesman, said: "We hope that there will be plenty of interest and that we can get a number of schemes off the ground to support young people and their families."

For more details, organisations can get a commissioning pack by emailing T.Langley@bury.gov.uk or by calling 253 6386.