VOLUNTARY groups that work with young people are being offered a share of an £18 million fund.

Groups which encourage better physical and mental health or teach new skills will be entitled to apply for grants between £10,000 and £100,000.

The Young Start fund was created with money from dormant bank accounts and is run by the Big Lottery Fund.

Since launching in 2012 it has awarded £29.5 million to 693 projects across Scotland.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “Young Start helps ensure that Scotland’s next generation has the best possible start in life.”