YOUNG people are getting the chance to prove they want to be at the heart of their community.

Bury Council has set up a website to allow teenagers and their parents to find out, and comment, about the Government's Green Paper to revitalise services called 'Youth Matters'.

The aim is to encourage young people to get involved in activities and their community, while providing them with better advice and more personal support.

Councillor Maggie Gibb, executive member for children and young people, said: "All too often young people hit the headlines for the wrong reasons. This is a chance to play a positive role and help ensure that the right plans are put in place to support other young people in the future."

Among the proposals are: annual 'youth offers' of sporting and cultural activities; an 'opportunity fund' of up to £30,000 managed by young people for young people; incentives to promote good behaviour and volunteering; closer working in the fields of education, careers, teenage pregnancy and school attendance.

The website address is www.bury.gov.uk/learning/youthsupport, and consultation runs until October 14.