A BLACKWOOD boy is leading a bid to get teenagers from across Gwent involved in our Sparkle Appeal.

The Argus aims to raise £250,000 towards building and equipping a £6m children's centre at High Cross, Newport, to provide support and care for 1,200 disabled children and their families from Newport, Torfaen and south Monmouth shire.

Gavin Hatton, 15, a pupil at Black wood Comprehensive School, will be liaising with secondary schools and colleges to see how they can help with the appeal. Gavin, who is on the school council at Blackwood, said he hoped to get together with other schools and find ways of fundraising and support the Sparkle Appeal.

Gavin said: "I am really interested in finding ways that secondary schools and colleges throughout Gwent can support the Sparkle Appeal.

"I got involved when Tina asked if I would like to help. I jumped at the chance as it is a good project for a good cause.

"It would be ideal if we could all find ways to join forces for fundraising and volunteering. I will try to get other teenagers involved. Hopefully they will volunteer and be more than willing to help.

"It is about children and hopefully they will recognise it and I am sure they will get involved."

Tina White, project development manager, said: "There is huge potential for the Sparkle Appeal.

"There are big benefits for young people and getting involved in the community.

"They can volunteer as well as fundraise but to get them involved is great and then they may involve family and friends."