YOUNG people in Bolton will be getting a taste of the great outdoors after a project to keep them off the streets received an £800,000 grant.

The Wellfield project, set up in a converted house on the Willows estate, offers an alternative to petty crime and vandalism to the under-25s in the Deane area. It has been awarded the money to start an outdoor activities club and young people will be able to try out camping and canoeing.

The money has come from the local network fund for children and young people managed by the Greater Manchester Community Foundation.

Adele Hayes, a Wellfield volunteer, said: "If we could not run the project there would be nothing for young people around here to do.

"It's good to get them out and about in outdoor activities -- we already have our own football team."

They are good kids, they just need things to do."

Community Foundations are already an established way for companies in America to give to charities with around 600 in operation. Firms give cash to the foundation which then sets up funds on their behalf and takes care of distributing the cash by giving grants to deserving charities.

Jo Houlcroft, spokeswoman for the Greater Manchester branch, said it was a more business-like way for firms to give and charities to receive.

"Wealthy individuals, for example, are able to set up a living legacy in support of a cause close to their hearts. It may be to help those in the area where they grew up, or an enabling scheme to support youngsters into sport, education and training.

"It is a good way to giving to the many and diverse local grass roots projects that lack the marketing expertise to make themselves heard."

For grant applications ring 0845 1130161.