A ROCK school, carnival performance and a special card loaded with cash which can be spent on swimming or keeping fit are up for grabs for youngsters.

Life for youngsters in Horwich and Blackrod has suddenly got better, with a range of initiatives to keep them off the streets.

Young people were asked how they would like to spend a pot of cash, at a Two Towns Area Forum in November.

After listening to their views, councillors from the Horwich North East and Horwich and Blackrod wards have earmarked a number of projects aimed at giving youngsters plenty to do in their spare time.

One will see £9,680 put on smartcards for local Year Seven children to use on activities such as sports and going to the cinema.

Councillors recognise there are difficulties in some areas for young people to get about, and have pledged £1,440 for transport schemes.

Teenagers said they would like a music concert similar to Howfenfest in Westhoughton.

So a Rock School project, costing £3,400, will see young people spend 10 three hour sessions rehearsing with tutors and, after learning the ropes, the band will perform at Horwich Carnival.

There will also be a drama school with the Octagon costing £3,400. Participants will have drama and performance lessons followed by a local stage performance.

Three smaller projects have been given £250. These include the Eden bus project, which runs a weekly youth club on board with activities including computer games.

Rivington and Blackrod High School has been given cash to organise a party for older people within the community, involving 30 11 to 16-year-olds. Finally, Lever Park School's Heave-Hoe project will bring together the expertise of local adult gardeners with young novice gardeners, to exchange ideas, skills, knowledge and labour.

The money will buy potting equipment, compost, plants, seeds and some refreshments for those taking part.

Cllr Barbara Ronson, of Horwich North East ward, said: “I am very pleased that we have been able to do this. It is important to point out that the Smartcard money is a universal provision for all children in Year Seven and we hope this will encourage them to take part in healthy leisure activities.

“To arrange a music festival and spend the money before April was not possible, we had to lay the foundations this year.

“The Rock School could contribute towards eventually getting a festival in the area.

“We are looking forward to seeing the fruits of these exciting projects.”

amanda.smith@ theboltonnews.co.uk