CHILDREN and young people living in Ferryhill and Chilton and the surrounding areas could benefit from a cash boost up to £8,000.

The money is available from the 4Together Area Action Partnership (AAP), one of 14 set up by Durham County Council in 2009, for projects for children and young people in Bishop Middleham, Chilton, Ferryhill or West Cornforth or schemes that directly benefit the areas.

Groups can apply for funding between £5,000 and £8,000 but projects must promote and encourage health and wellbeing.

Applications for amounts of more than £8,000 have the potential to be considered however they must demonstrate considerable partnership work, wider AAP coverage and other beneficiary support.

Applications forms are available by emailing fouraap@durham.gov.uk or by calling 03000-267210 and must be returned by Friday, July 17.

Advice and guidance sessions detailing the application process with hints and tips on completing forms will be hosted by the 4Together Partnership Team, at the Dean Bank Institute, in Ferryhill, on June 23, from 2pm to 4pm and June 24, 6pm to 8pm.

Final decisions will be made in September with new projects expected to start from December 2015 onwards.