SIX Wiltshire youth projects have received nearly £17,000 of grants from Wiltshire County Council's youth development service.

The funding represents just part of the county council's ongoing commitment to voluntary sector bodies, organising activities for children and young people. The largest grant of £9,000 is going to Schools and Police Liaison Activities for Summer Holidays (SPLASH) and its activity programme, including a number of summer recreation activities in places such as Chippenham and Melksham.

The activities are aimed at preventing crime, encouraging social development and enhancing the lives of young people.

Wiltshire's Network Scouts, a new section of the scout movement aimed at 18 to 25 year olds, is to receive £3,200.

The money will be used to support the group's development and part fund six of the scouts to attend the world moot in Taiwan. The Methodist Association of Youth Clubs is receiving £3,400 to fund a development worker for its Wiltshire youth clubs.

South Wiltshire Guides Association is to get £700 to support volunteer trainers. Their north Wiltshire counterparts will get £483 for the same purpose and the Boys Brigade will receive £130 for travel and other expenses.

Damian Haasjes, who oversees the admin-istration of the grants at the county council said: "Although the grants are relatively small in monetary terms, they provide vital funds for these organisations."