The Buckinghamshire Freemasons are offering 13 thousand pounds worth of grants to young people to carry out a project.

Assitant Head Mike Stimpsons says they wanted to stop the negative stereotyping of local young people.

Projects could range from teenagers helping younger children, to helping animals, the homeless, building a community website, or some sort of green activity.

Aylesbury Mayor, Councillor Mrs Ranjula Takodra MBE is backing the scheme saying it "should help to change the perception of youngsters from hoodies into goodies."

“I have long believed we should take pride in the town’s youngsters and children and celebrate their efforts to help others. That is the basis of a community. And they are our future,” she says.

Five youth projects will be given cash prizes of £250 per team and a chance to compete in a regional final.

Mike Stimson, Assistant Head of Aylesbury Freemasons, says: “Freemasonry is all about the community and we want to give a lead to today’s youngsters who may be tomorrow’s community leaders. We want to celebrate the new generation who will help take our town to even better times in the future.

“This exciting competition is open to any group of young people in Aylesbury that wants to make a difference – from scouts to singing groups… and from schools to sports clubs. Anyone who believes in the future of our town should consider taking part.”

Organisers hope the ihelp project will encourage teenagers and younger children alike, to run projects which will benefit the wider community. www.ihelp.buckspgl.org/

There is a total of £13,750 up for grabs and the final will be held at the Beaconsfield Masonic centre in August.

Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest secular fraternities, or friendship groups. Its goals are friendship, decency, and charity.

* There are around 3,800 freemasons in Bucks and Slough, for details Click HERE

 * For details about the grant click HERE