A Norwich youth centre has backed the Evening News and Red Nose Day Community Cash Campaign today after receiving a boost from the scheme last year.

The Bowthorpe Youth Drop In was awarded �1,000 during the 2010 Comic Relief Community Cash Campaign, which transformed the activities they offer young people.

A share of the grant was used to buy a Nintendo Wii with Wii Fit so the youngsters could take part in yoga sessions and fitness games.

The rest of the cash was invested in a laptop computer to create a facility where children could do their homework after school.

Sophia Davies, leader of Bowthorpe Youth Drop In, said: 'We wanted to get the kids up, active and doing things, so that is why we decided to buy the Wii Fit.

'We are all about promoting fitness and healthy living. The grant has allowed us to get the resources we need.'

Up to 15 youngsters, aged between 11 and 14, regularly attend the Monday night sessions held at the community centre on Bowthorpe Hall Road.

Families are also encouraged to attend the sessions which include a range of activities including cooking and arts and crafts.

Mrs Davies said: 'Any youth club should get involved and apply to the scheme because it is a big help, especially in this current climate. I found the process simple and really quick – we were all really pleased with the results.'

Small organisations have the chance to apply for a wedge of �50,000 as part of this year's Evening News and Red Nose Day Community Cash Campaign. The grants between �500 and �1,000 are available to groups with an income of less than �50,000 in the past year, who are in the Norwich City Council local authority area, and are working within a disadvantaged or deprived community.

Forms can be obtained by writing to Red Nose Day Community Cash, Evening News, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich, NR1 1RE.

Application forms can also be picked up from the Evening News office at Prospect House or downloaded from www.eveningnews.co.uk. The deadline is on Friday, March 18. Completed applications should be sent to Norfolk Community Foundation, St James Mill, Whitefriars, Norwich, NR3 1SH.