GRANTS of up to £30,000 are available to charities and voluntary community groups working with young people across Kent.

The Connexions Kent and Medway Community Chest has £600,000 available to distribute to deserving organisations working with young people aged between 13 and 19.

Connexions is a new, Government-funded information and advice service for young people, which helps locally-led community groups offering support to disadvantaged young people.

Community and Youth Engagement Officer at Connexions, Gail Walker, said: "We want to fund organisations working with young offenders, young people who have been excluded from school or are in danger of being excluded, pregnant teenagers, young parents, young people with mental health problems and drug users.

"Groups working with young people up to 25 with learning difficulties or disabilities can also apply. We are able to fund extra staff or facilities and we are ready to receive applications now."

For further details or to obtain an application form call (01622) 683155.