YOUNG charity fund-raisers have received a funding boost themselves from a Millennium grant scheme.

For the last few years mums Linda Rothwell and Tracy Roth have been gathering talented Bolton children together to stage charity concerts.

But the group of around 20 children, aged six to 16 , were delighted when they learned they had qualified for a £17,478 grant from the Bolton Citizens of Tomorrow Millennium Awards.

The cash will pay for rehearsal space hire, costumes and equipment to allow the children to stage several variety concerts over the next year.

The first event laid on by the Halliwell based group took place on Sunday at Horwich RMI Club when £425 was raised for Children In Need.

Four or five concerts will be staged over the next few months as well as visits to Bolton old people's homes.

"It is a big opportunity for the children. It gives them something to occupy them and something to aim for," said Mrs Rothwell.