A GRANT will help children at a Linthwaite school to get busy in the garden.

Children at Linthwaite Clough Junior, Infant and Early Years School plan to put on their gardening gloves to make a garden and give some areas of the school a lick of paint.

The children are one of eight groups of youngsters improving the lives of other young people in the community, thanks to the money from the Children's Fund Kirklees.

They have received grants of up to £1,000 from the Kirklees Council Young People's Service Kids Count Project.

The scheme offers cash to groups of five to 13-year-olds and encourages them to plan and run their own projects.

A children's panel discusses and makes decisions on the applications.

Grants officer Ruth Brabiner said: "Kids Count is run for children by children.

"It encourages children to participate in decision- making and to help their own community."

The recipients include:

* Lepton CE School, which will receive a cheque to transform some unused land into a wildlife area.

* Marsden Junior School is buying a "buddy bench" where children can sit and make new friends with assigned "buddies".

The pupils also plan to get high-visibility jackets for teachers so they can find them easily if there is an accident in the playground.

* Children at Birkby Junior School Dance Club are planning a show for the community at the Lawrence Batley Theatre and will use the money for a dance teacher, music and costumes.

* Kirkburton Cricket Club's under-11s team will benefit from new practice nets and mats to improve their bowling and batting skills.

* Huddersfield Crusaders Majorette Troupe are using their cash for new uniforms, transport competitions, T-shirts and batons.

For details about running a project ring Ruth Brabiner on 01484 223603.

You must be aged between five and 13 and in a group of two or more.