The authority will spend over £4.2m on ward-based youth services this year, an increase of over 10% on last year's figure.

In total, there will be a further £17,000 available in Pudsey, Calverley and Farsley.

Staff have been working hard to make significant savings behind the scenes, allowing the Youth Service to spend the extra money on more staff and front line services, at no extra cost to the taxpayer.

This will enable them to involve even more youngsters in the wide range of activities and facilities they have on offer.

Every ward in the city will benefit from the changes, as the service aims to reach more people by maximising the number of staff working on a local level.

Coun Andrew Carter (Cons, Deputy Leader of Council) said: "It is essential that we provide opportunities for young people and I have long believed that there were insufficient resources being spent on front line delivery of youth services.

"Indeed, for many years it seemed that money was only available in certain wards of the city. I am delighted that we have now been able to restructure the Youth Service to ensure that every ward gets its fair share of resources.

"This is a hugely worthwhile investment in young people across the city. I am obviously delighted that the increase in our spend in Pudsey, Calverley and Farsley is so significant.

"I now want to see that translated into action on the ground with schemes that young people can participate in and really enjoy."