YOUNG people will face Bolton’s “Dragons”

as they pitch for funding to get community projects off the ground.

The Bolton Neighbourhood Challenge competition — a Dragons’ Den-style challenge — which is run through Bolton Interfaith Council, will take place next month.

People aged 16 to 21 can pitch individually or in pairs for up to £1,000 to benefit the community in Great Lever, Halliwell or Rumworth.

Projects could include setting up a football team for young people, running a music event for the community, having a sports day and setting up arts projects.

On the day, there will up to £10,000 to be give away, which has been funded by the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts.

The entrants, who do not need to live in the area they are wanting the money for, will have to give a presentation to key business people.

“Dragons” include social entrepreneur Liz Douglas, who has transformed the lives of disaffected youths in Bolton through The Roots Project on the Pungle estate in Westhoughton, and Tracy Fenton who set up Artfantastic Healing Arts to help children express their feelings.

The third dragon has not yet been announced.

Kairen Smith, project development officer, said: “This is a new pilot scheme. We thought it would be a bit different and we know it has been done and worked well in other areas.

“We hope lots of people will come forward with their ideas. We have had quite a few already.

“It can be for a one-off project, it just needs to have a community benefit.”

The event will take place on Saturday, February 4, at the YMCA in Deansgate.

Support is available to all applicants to help themdevelop their pitch.

The deadline to enter is 10am on Monday.

Visit boltoninterfaith council.org.uk for an application pack or ring 07586 575058 or email Kairen@boltoninterfaith council.org.uk.