YOUNGSTERS were among the first to enjoy a new community facility in west Middlesbrough yesterday.

The St Cuthbert's Youth and Community Project, based next to the Phoenix Squash Club in the West Lane area, has been made possible through £244,000 of West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust funding, £20,000 from the Church Urban Fund and £4,000 from St Martin's Church.

It will provide the community with a venue for activities including youth clubs, parent and toddler groups, kickboxing classes and dancing.

The neighbourhood trust's community involvement team has worked closely with the West Lane community to find out what kind of facility would be suitable.

Research revealed that 84 per cent of people felt more community facilities should be provided for young people.

Jan Ford, chairwoman of the trust, said: "The community has been crying out for a youth facility of its own, so I am delighted that work is completed at the hall thanks to the significant investment."