£52m boost for unemployed teenagers

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The 185 awards, totalling £52.1 million, are being given to projects from across the country by the Big Lottery Fund.

A spokesman for the fund said each project will be planned, developed and run by teenagers for the benefit of teenagers.

The good cause funding comes as official figures show that almost one in three 16 and 17-year-olds who left school within the last year is now officially unemployed.

Through volunteering, educational and training schemes, the investment will help young people develop skills, talents and self-confidence.

The spokesman said that "such opportunities are vital at a time when the UK's jobless tally for under-25s has soared to almost one million and the economic outlook is uncertain".

In Maidstone, Kent, youngsters have got a grant of £335,802 to set up a youth cafe in the town centre where they can also access training and work experience.

In Birmingham, a grant of £101,800 will help young people rehearse music, write songs and receive training in recording.

Another of the 185 awards will be given to a project that will engage 500 youngsters from across the East Midlands in recording their involvement with the Cultural Olympiad and 2012 Olympics.