Vital funding of £25,000 is being pumped into providing activities for youngsters in Tendring this summer.

Tendring District Council (TDC) has agreed to put the money into Active Zone for the second year running.

The financial support enables clubs and organisations to offer extra recreational activities to those aged between five and 18 years during the school holiday.

And now the Council is keen to hear from clubs and organisations wanting to get involved in this important initiative.

They can apply for up to £1,000 to put on anything from sports and physical activities to music and art - but it must be between July 20 and August 30, 2009.

Pierre Oxley, Portfolio Holder for Leisure at TDC, said the aim is to increase the range of opportunities for young people.

"The grants must be used directly towards the cost of the running the activities - such as coaching sessions, equipment hire, or venue hire - and will be paid in two instalments," he said.

"Not only is this a chance for our youngsters to take up new and fun activities but it is also a chance for clubs and organisations to boost membership."

To publicise the programme a guide will be produced and put out around the District.

Any club or organisation wanting to make an application for a grant to provide an activity needs to fill in a form and return it by April 14, 2009.

The form and information are now available on the Sports Development pages.

Those who have been successful will be told no later than April 27, 2009 and will be provided to back up their bid with the necessary documents.

For further information and any enquiries on Action Zone contact Chris Holmes, TDC's Facility and Sports Development Manager on 01255 686684 or Administrator Vikki Casserley on 01255 686692.

19/3/09