Mitalee Youth win a Pudsey award

The cash will be used for a 12-week programme of activities targetting young people living in deprived Luton areas and will cover the cost of training volunteers as well as venue and minibus hire for running a summer scheme to benefit local teens.

Association co-ordinator Ashuk Ahmed said: “Youngsters who come to our project are sometimes faced with a number of barriers which affect their self confidence as well as their ability to participate in education or job-seeking.

“With this funding from BBC Children in Need, we will put in place a programme to help our teens overcome these challenges while broadening their horizons and helping them build practical skills that lead them down the path of success.”

BBC Children in Need now funds 24 projects in Bedfordshire with more than £1.3 million going to benefit young lives in the region.

BBC spokeswoman Melinda Connelly said competition was tough and they were pleased Mitalee had succeeded, adding: “Through their application, they demonstrated the tangible impact their activites have on local youth and we look forward to seeing their work in action.”

The charity funds two programmes: Small Grants (up to and including £10,000) and Main Grants (over £10,000 a year for up to three years).

> More details, including how to apply, from www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey/grants