YOUNGSTERS in a Teesdale village are making new friends through after a church launched a free club just for them.

Reverend at St Mary's Church, in Gainford, Teesdale, decided to launch Teen Beat, a club specifically for children aged about ten to 14 years, in the church.

The club is held on the first Thursday of every month and offers youngsters the chance to make new friends through different activities, games and crafts.

Rev Harrop said the village had tried to set up a youth club twice in the last ten years but both had failed.

"I just felt quite strongly that the church needed to have something because we are a church of the whole community," she said.

The first session, held in September was attended by just six boys but last month saw six girls join but Rev Harrop hopes numbers will increase as the club becomes established as it is open to all children, not just those from the village.

The next session will be held at the church tonight from 6.30pm until 8.30pm and includes refreshments such as pizza, drinks and nibbles.

For more information call Rev Harrop on 01325-730379.