HUNDREDS of youngsters in Westhoughton are learning to take more pride in their town -- by having more faith in themselves and more respect for their community.

They have been going to the town's Youth Drop In centre in droves since it opened three years ago with the aim of helping to produce a new generation of young citizens.

The Bolton Road centre gives them a chance to have fun while finding out how to face up to the challenges in their lives and look towards the future.

Youth leader Steve Greer said: "Westhoughton Youth Drop In has been open for three years now. We should be very proud of what we have achieved in this time."

The Drop In centre has a close partnership with Westhoughton High School and youth leaders work side-by-side with teachers.

They have helped the school set up links with a school in Belarus and pupils have collected £2,000 for children affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

Volunteers at the centre also run an employment service and have helped a number of teenagers find jobs and training.

They even run an information and advice service and talk to youngsters about issues such as health, bullying, money, careers and education.

Mr Greer said: "The Westhoughton Alcohol, Substance, Tobacco Education and Development project is an integral part of the Drop In centre. Its staff work in two primary schools and are looking to expand to even more.

"We also have a team of outreach workers who go out onto the streets to give young people advice on drug and alcohol. They give advice to parents and work in partnership with the police to stop drink being sold to under-aged drinkers."

The Drop In centre's biggest success is the three activity sessions it holds every week. Children learn about everything from healthy cooking to Internet research and also play football and netball.

"The Drop In staff feel that they deserve credit where it's due," Mr Greer said. "Not for our sake but for the young people. "Other towns are looking at setting up their own Drop In centres."