YOUNG technology enthusiasts have been urged to apply for hundreds of pounds worth of prizes up for grabs from a Dorset-based charity.

Dorset ASSET and the Valter Prize Trust reward local school and college students up to the age of 20 for technology projects ranging from mechanical, electrical and engineering projects to resistant materials, architecture, science and textiles.

Despite contacting hundreds of schools across the county, trustees said there have been few entries so far for the 2013 awards, which will be handed out at a ceremony at Bournemouth University in July.

Trustees and volunteers are going to visit schools to judge entries between now and July.

The major award of £500 is provided in memory of engineer Richard Valter, who died in 2003 and left £10,000 to provide annual prizes to students who produce technology projects of note. Other awards, ranging from £350 to £100, are from a variety of sponsors including the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Institute of Engineering and Technology.

Dorset ASSET (Assistance to Schools with Science, Engineering and Technology) also sends volunteers into schools to help out with technology-related after school clubs and is urging anyone interested in volunteering to get in touch.

Chairman Peter Taylor asked anyone interested in becoming a volunteer or entering for prizes to get in touch by email, pgtaylor@lineone.net