YOUNG people in the Sidmouth and Ottery St Mary face their last chance to benefit from a �600,000 cash bonanza.

YOUNG people in the Sidmouth and Ottery St Mary face their last chance to benefit from a �600,000 cash bonanza.

The Youth Opportunity and Youth Capital Funds project is in its final year and applications have been welcomed for a cash kitty worth more than half a million pounds to be spent on activities and youth facilities that will benefit Devon youngsters between the ages of 13 and 19.

Activities, events or campaigns should be related to a local need and must benefit groups than individuals.

Devon County Council's Youth Service, which is administering the funds, is interested in projects to help those disadvantaged by prejudice, isolation or lack of access to facilities.

Youth centres and sports teams could benefit as could skate park projects.

Councillor Christine Drew, East Devon District Council's member champion for young people, said: "These funds give young people a voice, enabling them to apply for funds for projects of their own choice. By getting together with their friends they can make a difference to their local community and can reach others who may not be able to access the sort of facilities and opportunities they have identified.

"I urge them to get in touch to find out more about the opportunities that are open to them".

Contact the Devon Youth Service on (01392) 380262 for information.