TEENAGERS in Bolton have handed out £350,000 to projects helping other young people.

Bolton Council recruited 51 young people to whittle down applications for a share of £187,000 in government cash.

The youngsters, aged 14 to 19 were appointed through schools, the Connexions youth service and youth groups. They formed four panels, covering different parts of the borough.

The panels, led by Bolton's Youth MPs, Emma Simpson and Louise Meyers, were trained to administer the money and monitor its spending.

They considered 77 bids and approved 49 applications, covering projects as diverse as Thai boxing, a hoist for disabled children, building renovations and help to quit smoking.

One of the beneficiaries, Ambassadors 4 Disabilities, was also nominated for the national Department for Education and Skills Actions Speak Louder awards, which will provide extra funding for country's best 15 projects.

As a result of their speediness and effectiveness, the panels were given a further £20,000 from the Youth Opportunity Fund.

On Monday, 20 of the projects will be featured in the Festival Hall at Bolton Town Hall, from 7pm-9.30pm.

Young people from the panels will voting on the best projects, handing the winner £1,000 and £500 to two runners-up.

The event is open to the public and taster sessions in Thai boxing and football skills will be on offer.

Emma Simpson said: "This scheme allows young people to be in control and make their own decisions on which facilities they want to see in their communities.

Louise Meyers added: "We think it's really going to make a difference to the lives of young people in Bolton."

Cllr Linda Thomas, Bolton's executive member for children's services, said: "We are proud we are of the mature way they have discussed and allocated the funds."