TEST Valley Borough Council has been awarded half a million pounds over the next three years from the Children's Fund to help improve the lives of children within the borough.

Test Valley will receive the share of the £7.2m Hampshire has received from The Children's Fund, a government initiative set up to improve the lives of the children who are at risk of social exclusion by increasing facilities, services and enabling new projects. The successful Test Valley bids, split evenly between Andover and Romsey, will now be issued with initial capital to set up their projects.

The Kids Church, Scouts, Andover Young Carers, Bright Sparks and Rox Youth Club are some organisations that will benefit from the Children's Fund.

David Gleave, economic development officer for Test Valley Borough Council, said: "It is very important that we invest money into our communities, especially in our young people. Several areas of Test Valley need attention and support for the more deprived children to have access to increased facilities.

"The council's involvement in the Children's Fund has been an opportunity to support worthwhile organisations hoping to provide more chances for children to lead fulfilled lives. The Children's Fund has enabled quicker development in those areas and is a step towards helping the communities as a whole prosper."

Andover Young Carers is one organisation delighted to be receiving the money, which will enable two facilitators to take classes at nine schools to raise awareness of young carers.

Nicola Sage, project manager, said: "Often young carers can feel isolated and are easy targets for bullying. This project will enable us to reach hundreds of children, to inform and educate them and create a better understanding among their peers."