A NEW youth club has opened its doors with a day of music and celebration.

The Orlits Youth Club on Holmeswood Road, Great Lever, will now provide a range of activities for young people in the area, including a pool table, IT equipment, dance, PlayStation 2, TV, video and karaoke equipment.

There will also be arts and crafts activities and musical equipment -- electric guitars, electric organ and bongo drums.

Club secretary Paula Waites said: "The most important thing was getting the young people off the street into a safe environment with alternatives to anti-social behaviour."

She said there was nothing for youngsters to do on the estate. The club has been set up by the Hayward Residents' Association and young people have helped decorate it both inside and out.

The club is free and aimed at eight to 14-year-olds.