A BOLTON group today scooped a huge Lottery grant to make young people's dreams come true.

The Bolton Citizens of Tomorrow organisation was awarded £404,250 by the Millennium Commission to give scores of underprivileged and disabled youngsters a brighter future.

Bolton Council officer Sean Harris said: "This money will mean many kids normally denied opportunity will have the chance to develop themselves."

The Citizens of Tomorrow group - Bolton Provincial Insurance Trust in partnership with Bolton Council, Bolton Bury Tec and several voluntary organisations - formed a year ago to bid for Lotto funding.

The cash will be spent on projects designed to develop children's characters - and benefit the community. Examples could include youngsters working with the disabled or going on outward bound adventure courses.

The chairman of the Millennium Commission, MP Chris Smith, said: "These schemes will allow people not only to unlock their potential, but also to use their skills and experience to benefit others in their community." About 135 Bolton youngsters are expected to receive money and an application system will be set up within six months.

Any child can put forward a case for a grant, but awards will be particularly aimed at the poor, underprivileged and disabled.

Bolton Provincial Insurance Trust chairman David Porter said he was delighted the group had been successful.

"This will enable the trust, in partnership, to substantially assist young people in the town to achieve a dream," he said.

The chairman of Bolton Civic Affairs sub-committee, Cllr Cliff Morris, added: "This money will help youngsters achieve their personal aspirations and, at the same time, foster community spirit and civic pride." Tony Rink, chairman of Bolton Bury Tec, said the grant was marvellous news for the young people in Bolton. "Their imagination is their only limit to the ways in which the Millennium Awards could help them to develop," he said.

Today's cash was awarded as part of a £5 million Millennium Commission hand out to seven groups helping 1,000 people throughout the country.

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