A MULTI-thousand pound shopping list for leisure services has been unveiled by City of York Council.

The cash would be used to buy programmes offered by York's voluntary sector, including play groups and entertainment organisations.

Projects bought by the council will be aimed at:

- Children and young people aged between five and 25

- Disabled people

- People over 50 years old

- City residents on low incomes.

Alison Lilly, the council's business manager, said: "Programmes must contribute to the five key leisure themes - life-long learning, culture and creative expression, active lifestyles, thriving local economy and natural environment."

Those expected to get council support include SNAPPY, a Clifton-based charity set up to increase recreation for young people with special needs.

Councillors will be asked to agree a payment of more than £28,000, which will help provide activities including play schemes during school holidays and on Saturdays, and a training and information service for other organisations.

Impressions Gallery is expected to get £20,000 for promotion of photography through activities including workshops and talks, provision of darkrooms for members of the public and work to strengthen links with schools and other groups.

The Theatre Royal has put forward proposals for a wide range of productions, to increase its educational role and introduce a concession scheme for city residents, which is expected to receive £282,000 of funding.

Nearly £15,000 has been requested by the Knavesmire-based Youth Theatre Yorkshire to offer workshops, develop work with young people with special needs and from deprived backgrounds and produce a range of shows.

The Friends of St Nicholas Fields, at Tang Hall, could get £22,000 for projects on the nature reserve, while more than £41,000 would go to Bell Farm Adventure Playground to extend its work.

After-school group Ready Steady Groves has been earmarked for funding worth £16,500, while York Playspace, in Clifton, would get nearly £33,000.

The Detached Youth Work Project, based in the Guildhall, has asked for £18,000 to help young people.

City of York Council's executive will meet on Friday to discuss the proposals.

Updated: 11:32 Monday, April 16, 2001