Young people in Croydon have the chance to make projects helping their peers a reality with the launch of a new fund.

The Croydon Young Mayor's fund offers up to £2000 to groups of young people who live or go to school, college or work in the borough.

Young Mayor William Awomoyi, his deputy Shea Williams and youth cabinet members will sit on a Dragons' Den-style panel to hear from prospectives grantees.

The panel will then decide whether to allocate a grant from the £20,000 Young Mayor's Fund.

William Awomoyi, who was elected as Croydon’s first Young Mayor in March, said: “I believe young people in Croydon have potential, they have talent and they have great ideas.

"If you believe your plan could make a difference to young people in our borough, then stake your claim – my panel and I look forward to hearing your pitch.”

Groups of young people aged eight to 18 or those with an adult sponsor and access to a business bank account, company or community organisation are welcome to apply.

Councillor Alisa Flemming, cabinet member for children, young people and learning, said: “The first round of grants from the Young Mayor’s Fund helped some fantastic projects including an anti-knife crime video in by children in New Addington and a project by Lighthouse Educational Society.

“We will do everything we can to support the borough’s young people to achieve their potential.”

For more information or to request an application form email youngmayor@croydon.gov.uk

Completed forms must be returned to the same email address by no later than midnight on Friday 24 February 2019.