LOCAL MP ENCOURAGES YOUNG PEOPLE IN HEREFORDSHIRE TO BID FOR A SAVE THE CHILDREN 'HERE TO HELP' AWARD

11.00.00am GMT Tue 27th Feb 2007

Today, Paul Keetch MP, encourages young people in Herefordshire to apply for a Save the Children 'Here to Help' award, funded by British Gas. Awards of up to £1,000 are available as well as a small number of grants of up to £3,000 that young people can apply for to improve something in their local community.

Save the Children and British Gas created the 'Here to Help' awards to get young people involved in dynamic and lasting community projects. So far the awards, which have been running for nearly two years, have had a positive impact upon the lives of over 10,000 children in England, Scotland and Wales.

Speaking today, Paul Keetch said, "This is a great opportunity for young people with ideas to improve their local area. If you are a young person who knows of a real need in your community and has a great idea, you should apply for an award."

Save the Children recognises that the health, education and protection of children and young people are vital in today's society. So the charity is looking to award £1,000 for projects that help address one or more of these issues.

For the £3,000 awards the charity is specifically looking for project ideas with a clear aim of benefiting the most disadvantaged. Save the Children wants to help children and young people to be active partners in tackling poverty in their communities.

The MP added, "For further information or to submit a proposal, visit the Here to Help website at www.helpyourselves.org.uk "