A DEDICATED youth worker in South Cerney is applying for up to £500,000 in a bid to improve facilities for children in the village.

Emily Mallett, who works for South Cerney Parish Council, has applied to the Big Lottery Fund (BLF) this week in the hope of boosting the facilities available to local teenagers.

The BLF provides up to £500,000 for project running costs and £50,000 for a new building but grants are judged on the quality of the application.

News of a successful bid would be music to the ears of the 40 youths regularly attending the once-a-week gatherings.

The first priority for Emily is to buy a premise for the youth group to meet because there is not one available to them in the village.

"To make sure that the youth project in the town is sustainable we need to find major funding from somewhere," she said.

"At the minute we do not have a base, we meet here, there and everywhere.

"Ideally we want a facility that the youths can make their own."

A lack of facility means Emily is forced to organise a mini-bus to take the youths into Swindon or other parts of Gloucestershire. But with seating places limited, she is often forced to turn children away.

"It is galling that just because we do not have a building, I am having to turn down enthusiastic youths. This grant could change everything for us," she added.

The youth group meets just once a week and Emily said if the bid is successful, a part-time youth worker could be employed.

Mike Stuart, chairman of South Cerney Parish Council, said the council was fully behind the application.

"We have two very dedicated youth workers who do a wonderful job," he added. "Sadly they have no premises to meet which is a great shame.

"This money could make such a huge difference to them and the parish council has its fingers crossed that we get a good result."