YOUTH groups are being invited to step forward into the Dragons’ Den and persuade Corsham Area Board to hand over some funding.

At the last area board meeting of 2011, held in Box, members awarded £11,000 to community projects.

The money was split between six groups: the Army Welfare Service, Corsham Primary School, Flava Cafe, Wiltshire Global Education Centre, 1st Corsham Scout Group and SPLITZ.

Funding was given to support a variety of projects helping young people.

The awards followed an evening in which representatives from organisations had to pitch the value of their project to the “dragons” and an audience of about 60, who had the opportunity to vote on whether each appeal for funding was worthwhile.

After the success of last year’s event, Corsham Area Board wants to hear from more youth groups who would like a share of the £4,700 made available.

Wiltshire Council member Peter Davis, who sits on the board, said: “I’m all in favour of this way of awarding funding, as it allows the public to have an input to the grants being awarded. At the end of the day, it is their money.”

The area board is keen for young people, who benefit from the organisations, to be involved in pitches, possibly with a drama performance or a role in the presentation.

Cllr Davis, who is also a Corsham Town councillor, said: “It is very nice to have some idea of what the money is going towards through the presentation and also seeing young people involved demonstrates the value of the group, scheme or project to their lives.

“There are a tremendous number of organisations and small groups of people doing great work supporting our local children and they deserve to be supported.”

Groups keen to take part in the funding event, scheduled to take place during a Corsham Area Board meeting later in the year, need to submit their applications by Friday, October 5.

They will be contacted by Monday, October 25, to tell them whether they have successfully gained a place at the Dragons’ Den presentation night.

For more information, call Dave Roberts, the Corsham community area manager, on 01249 706380 or email him at Dave.Roberts@wiltshire.

gov.uk.