UNDERACHIEVING schoolchildren in Dorset have been given a boost thanks to a charity grant.

The Freemasons’ Grand Charity has donated £250,000 to the Prince’s Trust schools programme, which supports pupils at risk of underachieving or exclusion in the county.

The grant will help fund the Trust’s xl clubs, which support pupils aged 13 to 19 with three in four young people supported by the youth charity moving into work, education or training.

Right Worshipful Brother Richard Merritt, provincial Grand Master for Dorset Freemasons, said: “Too many young people in Dorset are at risk of exclusion or underachievement at school, which could take a damaging toll on their future prospects.

“The Freemasons are keen to help tackle this problem by boosting the vital work of Prince’s Trust xl clubs here in Dorset.

“Prince’s Trust has a long history of helping unemployed young people into jobs so we are excited to be working with them to support vulnerable youngsters across the country.”

Molly Zoeller, spokesman for the Prince’s Trust, said: “We meet young people every day who believe they have no future. We think they are wrong.

“Thanks to The Freemasons’ Grand Charity we will be able to transform more young lives, helping young people to reengage with education and work towards a brighter future.”

This is the third annual national grant of £250,000 awarded by The Freemasons’ Grand Charity.