A scheme which will help needy young people in the Bradford district has received a £1m boost.

The Millennium Awards Commission, supported by the National Lottery, has given the cash to the Bradford-based Rathbone Millennium Awards Scheme.

Each successful applicant will receive a grant of up to £2,000.

The project, due to be launched this month, has already received applications from young people with ideas on how to improve their communities.

Sarah O'Brien, the scheme's tutor/mentor, said: "Basically it's open to all people between 16 and 24 but in particular those who are disengaged, on the fringes of society, who are looking for opportunities.

"They might have been expelled from school, have recently left young offenders institutions, or be in local authority care.

"The essential requirements for a project are that it will have a positive impact on both the young person's community and their personal development."

The awards will fund all participation costs such as travel, equipment and stationery and will not affect any benefits they are receiving. Anyone can put in an application for the grants, whether they are individuals or working within a group.

"We have had applications from a group wanting to set up a radio station to spread information about drugs awareness and another who want to produce a booklet which will be distributed to schools and youth clubs," said Ms O'Brien.

"A young person with an idea for a project that is of interest to him or her will be encouraged to submit an application to the Millennium Awards panel.

"The young person will work closely with us to prepare the application which will be supported by a referee, for example a youth worker. We'll do our best to make the application as strong as possible and hopefully it should get a grant."

There are, however, projects which are not eligible - including those with a political or religious aim, or existing projects which simply require top-up funding.

If individuals and groups successfully managed to complete a Millennium Awards project they will become a Millennium Fellow and could be in line a national recognition.

For more details about the scheme contact Sarah O'Brien on (01274) 718300 or write to Rathbone, 1st Floor, West Riding House, Cheapside, Bradford, BD1 4HR.