A NEWPORT project, which has helped thousands of youngsters escape the perils of crime and drugs got an extra £22,000 funding this year.

Positive Futures provides sport and activities, volunteering, training and employment opportunities across the city, offering young people alternatives to substance misuse, antisocial behaviour and other crimes.

In recoginition of its good work the Home Office has increased its grant funding from £36,000 to £58,000 for 2010/11.

Since its launch in 2002, it has worked with more 1,500 young people each year.

In that time 112 have gone on to become volunteers with the project and a total of 430 qualifications have been achieved.

Many people involved in the project, based at Newport Swimming and Tennis Centre, Spytty Boulevard, have also been encouraged to return to school and get a job, which has helped them gain more confidence and self-esteem.

Cllr Mike Hamilton, cabinet member for leisure and continuing learning, paid tribute to the team’s work in gaining the extra funding.

He said: “Thousands of young people have benefited from the Newport project and it has made a real difference to many lives.

“It is vitally important for everyone that youngsters who could potentially end up marginalised and a problem for society are instead given opportunities to improve their lives.

“The fact that many have gone on to become volunteers themselves and can help mentor other young people is very heartening.”

Next month, more than 100 awards will be handed out at a special evening for volunteers.

Positive Futures is the national activity-based social inclusion programme for ten to 19-year-olds, funded by the Home Office and managed by young people’s charity Catch22.