YOUTH projects are getting a cash windfall from a fund set up to help youngsters take control of changes they want in London’s deprived East End. Some 15 projects are getting grants totalling �50,000 from the Youth Opportunity Fund

YOUTH projects are getting a cash windfall from a fund set up to help youngsters take control of the changes they want to see in London's deprived East End.

Some 15 projects are getting grants totalling �50,000 from the Youth Opportunity Fund, it has been announced today.

The projects were successful in bids to Tower Hamlets council for grants to start up new schemes such as after-school sports clubs, or to help pay for repairs to community buildings.

IN CHARGE

Young people were in charge of the bidding process and even formed the panel that decided which bids should succeed.

Fifteen organisations get the grants, which included Grassroots Orchestra, encouraging youngsters to learn instruments, Out'n'About, which organise excursions, and Off the Streets, a place to go for help and advice on career options.