The Budleigh Community Youth Project is celebrating the success of its recently reopened Youth Club by holding an open day.

Taking place on Saturday January 27 from 10am to 11 am, at the Venture Hall in Budleigh. Come along and let staff know what other services and fun activities the young people of our community would benefit from. The group welcome young people from 11-18 and/or their parents/carers.

Since last summer, the Youth Club has welcomed young people aged 10 to 12 years to a Thursday night club night.

The aim was to provide a fun and safe space for young people in the Budleigh, East Budleigh, Otterton and Bicton area. It has proved hugely popular, with as many as 40 young people attending each week. They play pool, table tennis, sports, do craft, dance, sing, play games and more! A big favourite is the tuck shop and hot food.

Daisy, 12, says "I love youth club because it has food!".

The club is led by Roxanne and Nikki, who plan out fun activities for the kids. The youth club will also be led by young leaders. Teenagers Evelyn, Henry, Fern and Abi give their time to ensure things are running smoothly - setting up activities, playing games and music, signing people in and out, and tidying up afterward. Fern says "being a youth leader here is great", a view echoed by Abi who says "it's a fun environment". All the young leaders are working towards a qualification or award, currently Duke of Edinburgh or the Lions Young Leader.

The project committee are now keen to expand what they do to more young people, but they need to be guided by what the community wants. They have DJ lessons and scooting lessons lined up if needed, and also the proposal of day trips to places like Crealy or Exeter Chiefs.

Chairman Steve Hitchcock said "I would like to thank my fellow committee members, especially Ruth, Kim, Lorraine and Henry for volunteering their time to the project. We have grand plans to target support to those that need it the most and provide opportunities to inspire young people to achieve their potential. The youth club would also like to thank the Budleigh Lions and Devon SPACE for generous grants to get the club going again."

Finally, Marley and Betty say "come to youth club, it's crazy fun."