YOUNG people growing up in care will be helped to bend the ear of government agencies under a £2.3 million lottery-backed scheme.

So called 'champions boards' are to be set up across Scotland, using the cash to help young people in care influence decisions affecting them.

The Life Changes Trust said the grant would revolutionise the way decisions are taken about young people.

Already established in Dundee, the boards ensure children and young people in care have the skills and confidence to take their views direct to senior council leaders. Meetings are often held away from offices, in youth settings or over meals, rather than formally.

Dundee City Council's former chief executive David Dorward helped pioneer the approach, which is now being carried forward by his replacement David Martin, the former chief executive of Renfrewshire Council - which is also enthusiastic about champions boards.

The Life Changes Trust said bringing together young people who have experience of care with decision makers would help transform their lives for the better.

Heather Coady, director of the Trust's Care Experienced Young People Programme, said: "Care experienced young people have enormous potential to shape their lives and those of their peers for the better. Champions boards provide a distinctive and powerful way of harnessing this potential."

Mr Martin added: "My experience of the champions board in Dundee has been hugely positive, particularly in the commitment, knowledge and skills of the care experienced children and young people who form the backbone of the approach in our city."

Brian Houston, director of operations at advocacy charity Who Cares? Scotland, welcomed the approach and its emphasis on building relationships.

"You are putting some of the most vulnerable young people who haven't been listened to alongside some of the most powerful people, who are used to voicing their opinions," he said.

"But boards look different from any other meetings you might see. They are held in young people's space or over food and they are a really effective vehicle to get important messages to key decision makers."