EIGHT groups of lucky youngsters in Hitchin were awarded a share of a �20,000 grant at a presentation event on Saturday.

The Hitchin Youth Spend grant is an initiative funded by North Herts District Council’s Hitchin Area Committee.

The winning project this year was the Hitchin District Scouts Active Support Unit, who will receive �1,596 funding for catering equipment and a Tirfor winch for an aerial runway at larger youth events.

“We were absolutely amazed to hear that we had got it. There were so many good presentations,” said Colin Knowles, chairman of the support unit.

“With the money, we will be able to buy a cooker and oven unit, which means we can cater for large groups of people.

“It will be really useful too as it allows us to cater for those with special dietary requirements.”

Other groups awarded funding were Mary Exton School, Hitchin Youth Band, Pirton Youth Group, William Ransom Primary School, 11th Hitchin (Christchurch) Scouts, Purwell Primary School and Strathmore Infant and Nursery School.

The young people voted themselves for the best presentations and projects which they felt deserved the funding.

“This is the second year of youth grants and we have had another great response from young people in Hitchin,” said Cllr Judi Billing, Hitchin Area Committee chairman.

“The projects and ideas have been outstanding and a lot of hard work has been put into the applications and presentations.

“It will be interesting to see how the projects develop and benefit the community. We are proud to be supporting such a unique fund.”