The London Youth Offer – which aims to provide more activities and services for young people in the capital – is set to benefit from increased government funding.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families has increased its pledge of £40m by a further £19m, which will be added to the London Development Agency’s £20m investment to benefit each of London’s 33 local authorities.

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said: “This funding will provide real alternatives to life on the streets, giving young Londoners more places to go and things to do.

“This investment will give children and teenagers from the poorest estates and communities across the capital opportunities to learn new skills through training, sports and cultural activities.”

Minister for children, young people and families, Beverley Hughes, added: “We want all young people to have the opportunity to take part in positive activities, which are not only fun, but can boost young people’s confidence and consequently their chances of doing well in life.”

The two-year London Youth Offer will kick off in 2008.