YOUNGSTERS from Hounslow took part in a Dragons' Den-style competition to win funding to help their communities.

More than 150 people from the borough are already involved in The Challenge - a programme set up to help youngsters make a difference.

However, organisers of the scheme - which awards young people small grants to carry out projects they are passionate about - are keen for more students from Hounslow to get involved

Teenagers from schools across the borough travelled to St Charles Catholic Sixth Form College in Ladbroke Grove last Wednesday (August 24) for the latest showdown.

The competition was inspired by BBC show Dragon's Den, with competitors having to persuade a panel of four judges to hand over up to £100 for projects ranging from sexual health services to litter cleaning.

All five teams presenting on the day were successful and will now carry out their projects during September.

The Challenge Network, which runs the competition, is part of the Government's National Citizen Service pilot scheme, in which more than 10,000 youths across Britain are expected to take part this year.

The scheme is funded by the BAA Communities Trust, set up by the owners of Heathrow, with representatives from BAA, the Challenge Network and the charity VSO making up the judging panel.

Luba Mandzy Herring, director of development for the Challenge, said: "As the lights dimmed and the Dragon's Den music came on, you could see the mixture of nerves and excitement in the crowd. But, with the pressure on, the young people were remarkably poised.

"Many of the presentations were light-hearted, including plans to give out 'free hugs' in an effort to build neighbourly spirit.

"But the young people tackled heavier issues as well, such as provision of sexual health facilities for marginalised groups, anti-social behaviour, litter on the streets and the loneliness faced by the elderly."

To learn more about the Challenge, and how to get involved, visit www.the-challenge.org.