UP to £100,000 is available for projects working with vulnerable young people.

Connexions Wiltshire and Swindon is urging voluntary and community groups to apply before midnight on Friday, January 28.

Projects will have to show that they can help to reduce the number of 16 to 18-year-olds not in employment, education and training, or that they increase the proportion of 13 to 19-year-olds taking part in learning.

Schemes could also qualify if they help vulnerable groups such as asylum seekers, teenage parents, lesbians, gays or bisexuals and the homeless.

Awards have been given to a wide range of projects including youth counselling, holiday activity schemes and learning support.

Bids will be assessed by a multi-agency awards panel which will include representatives from Connexions and Swindon Youth Partnership.

Grants of up to £2,500 are available for small projects while voluntary sector contracts could be awarded up to £20,000.

Sarah White, a voluntary sector development worker for Connexions which offers advice information and support to youngsters, said: "We are very keen to work the voluntary and community sector and to support some of the valuable work they are doing with vulnerable young people." For information call 07931 137353.