A Norwich-based charity has received a funding boost to extend a young ambassador scheme to help more young people battling with eating disorders.

Beat has received almost £9,000 from the Norwich Youth Advisory Board to recruit 12 volunteers between the ages of 11 and 19 from the area.

The national charity launched the young ambassador scheme in 2006, which trains and supports young people who have recovered from an eating disorder. Once trained, young ambassadors communicate the risks and dangers of eating disorders to other young people, reducing the danger that they might suffer.

Beat will work with local partners and schools, colleges and youth groups to create opportunities for the young ambassadors to get involved in information sharing events and making contact with other young people to raise awareness of eating disorders.

Nina Dufeu, interim director of services at the charity, said: 'We receive many requests for young ambassadors in the Norwich area that we were unable to fulfill with our current resources and we are delighted to receive this funding. We know that there is a real need for more young ambassadors in the area to fully meet the needs of local organisations and groups.'

Grace Farman, 15, from Norwich, who is an ambassador for the charity, said: 'I am proud to be a young ambassador for Beat. I have learnt a lot about my self-value and happiness. It was 2011 when I recovered, and I cannot express the happiness in my life now. I have freedom and respect for myself. My self-esteem was and still is sky-high.'

Anyone interested in applying to become a Beat young ambassador is asked to email fyp@b-eat.co.uk. The closing date for applications is August 20.