Hundreds more young people will have the opportunity to be mentored by elite sports stars, musicians and top media players Culture Secretary Andy Burnham confirmed today.

The youth mentoring programme will receive £3 million funding over the next three years to help young people in challenging circumstances realise their potential.

Run in conjunction with Youth Music, Media Trust, Sport England and the Youth Sport Trust, the scheme offers one-to-one and group mentoring for young people who most need it. Mentors play a significant part in the young person's life, acting as a role model who can offer professional advice, insight and encouragement on a shared interest, with the ultimate aim of helping young people on the path to success in life.

So far more than one hundred young people between the ages of 11 and 25 have taken part in the scheme, their mentors coming from a huge variety of organisations including schools, Channel 4 and The Times newspaper.

Culture Secretary Andy Burnham said: 'Each and every young person should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Sadly, too many youngsters go off the rails for want of someone they can respect to steer them in the right direction.

'The Youth Mentoring Programme helps young people find a new passion to stimulate their interest and increase their self-confidence. With just a little encouragement and advice these people may well go on to be the broadcasters, sports stars and musicians of the future.'

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