THOUSANDS of pounds have been earmarked for youth groups in Rossendale to enable them to engage in decision making.

Youth groups in Rossendale will be able to apply for grants from a pot of £7,662 to enable them to deliver better services for young people and support innovative services and needs in the area.

Projects, which enagage young people in local decision making processes, can apply for the grants, after they were approved at the Rossendale Lancashire Local meeting in Rawtenstall on Monday.

County Coun Hazel Harding, for Rossendale North, said: "These funds used to be taken up very well by local youth groups last year.

"This money is now avalaible and I urge all youth groups to apply for th grants if they need this money."