A MAGAZINE run by and for young people is going from strength to strength.

Staff at the Xplode Magazine Bolton are celebrating after being awarded just over £4,000 from The ASDA Foundation — the company's charity arm.

The funding will be used to buy new equipment to help cope with the amount of young people wanting to get involved with the project.

Xplode was founded in 2011 by 18-year-old Saeed Atcha with the primary objectives for Bolton’s youngsters to realise and achieve their potential whilst increasing their employability skills in a media and business setting. Since 2011, Xplode has engaged with over 100 of the town’s teens.

Chief Executive Saeed said he was delighted with the donation. He said: “I think it’s absolutely fantastic that a business like ASDA have shown their support for Xplode. It just motivates and inspires our team of volunteers so much. We need to have the latest technology to keep up with demand and ASDA’s generous donation is helping us keep up with, and be in front of these digital times.”

ASDA Bolton’s Community Life Champion, Christine Baldwin, presented the cheque for £4,211.

She said: “The Asda Foundation have funded this project to allow more volunteers to become involved and make their voice heard in the community. We want to give them the opportunity to enhance their digital and employability skills. Young people do want to do something worthwhile, they do want to get involved, they want to change things for the better, it is their voice we should be listening too as they are our future.”

Xplode Magazine showcases the writing and design skills of Bolton’s young people and covers youth culture, music, fashion, sport, entertainment, social issues and aims to promote emerging talent.

To check out the magazine and learn more about the organisation head to: www.xplodemag.co.uk