A bumper £35,000 funding boost could be used to provide financial advice to hundreds of youngsters across Carlisle.

The city's youth zone is hoping to set up a project called #Moneyonmymind but is calling on Cumbrians to show their support so that it can be put into practice.

Carlisle Youth Zone is up against 16 other organisations bidding to receive funding from Natwest's Skills and Opportunities Fund, with the final decision being put to a public vote.

"The money will be used to take on a full-time member of staff who will be responsible for leading the project," Lynsey Buckle, development manager at Carlisle Youth Zone, told the News & Star.

"It's something that we're hoping will be year-long and if we're successful, will start in April next year."

Lynsey says that many young people often find gaps in their financial education, especially when they reach 16 or 18.

"The project will help to address those pitfalls," she added.

"They can make mistakes and as we're working with people aged between seven and 21, we want to make sure that they don't happen."

Through the project, youngsters will be able to take part in a range of different activities designed at helping them to prepare for adult life.

"There's very much a 'buy now, pay later' culture aimed at young people today and that's something we want to try and avoid," Lynsey said.

"At 16 or 18, young people might be excited by their first pay cheque but rather than thinking 'what trainers can I buy?' we want to teach them how to budget and prioritise - like buying food and paying bills first.

"One of the things that we want to do if we're successful is for groups to go on residential trips. While they're there, they'll be focused on budgeting, such as buying enough food for everyone that's there."

Lynsey says that conservatively, she estimates the scheme will engage with around 400 youngsters if it goes ahead.

She added: "We know that they don't keep things to themselves, so we're hoping the skills, tips and advice they pick up will be passed on to others.

"Something we'd like to do is maybe set up pop-up stalls in the city where they can do that as well.

"We're up against projects in much bigger cities but we want to show what Carlisle is made of."

Support Carlisle Youth Zone by voting online here .