MEMBERS of a Newport-based youth group are dancing with joy after they were awarded a grant for nearly a quarter of a million pounds.

The Urban Cirlce youth organisation, which works with hundreds of youngsters in the city and wider Gwent area, said the Big Lottery Fund grant for £225,888 was "amazing news for young people in the area".

The money will help provide music, DJ and radio equipment to the group who put on dance and talent shows around Newport.

It will also help employ a permanent coordinator and administrative worker for the next three years and help the group push to set up Newport's first official community radio station on the airwaves.

Urban Circle was set up in 2006 by Pill internet cafe owner, Dennis Mackenzie, 29.

He said: "This is absolutely brilliant for the kids. It is the best present we could ever have and it will make a massive difference to us.

"Outside of the council, we are the biggest youth group in the city."

The group now hope to set up a permanent base in the heart of the city, on Upper Dock Street.

Urban Circle operates an open door policy and works with teenagers from all backgrounds.

It provides support and advice for young people to pursue their ambitions, particularly in the fields of music, performing and dancing.

In the past two years, members of the group have performed at the Crow Point Festival and Maindee Festival as well as putting on their in show in the guise of the Urban Youth Festival and battle of the bands competitions.

Mr Mackenzie added: "Young people are screaming out for things to do and we are trying to provide them with opportunities.

"With this money we can do so much more."

For more information about Urban Circle, visit www.urbancircle.co.uk.