Westhoughton teenagers are starting the New Year with a place of their own after the town's first youth drop-in flung open its doors.

Two years ago, after complaints from young people that they had nowhere to go, a group of interested people set about solving the problem.

Local minister, the Rev Phil Mason, carried out a survey which showed that teenagers wanted somewhere they could go for advice, information and support as well as place to meet up and chat with friends.

Project manager Claire Jackson was employed 18 months ago to get the scheme off the ground and in April a terraced house in Bolton Road, Westhoughton, was bought by the Council and converted with the help of donations from local firms and the probation service.

A group of enthusiastic youngsters helped put the finishing touches to the centre by brightly painting the interior.

And on Monday the opening was celebrated with the help of special guests the deputy mayor of Westhoughton, Cllr Charlotte Platt, chairman of the management committee Janet Colley and the Rev Mason.

"I am very excited about it," said Claire Jackson.

"It has taken a long time but it has been really worth it. The young people have showed commitment and really worked hard."

The centre will be open for 13 to 21 year olds between 4pm and 8pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays plus Saturday from 11am to 1pm.

Fund-raising is still continuing to equip the centre with a stereo, TV, video and computers as well as to organise trips and perhaps set up a football team. But whatever is arranged in the future will be decided by the young people themselves, stressed Claire.

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