A YOUTH organisation has been formed in east Cleveland by a man at the centre of a row with a charity.

Russ Watson resigned from St John Ambulance after he was reprimanded by senior officers for carrying sandbags during the July floods in Skinningrove. The entire east Cleveland team also resigned.

The results of an inquiry into the incident are expected early next month.

In the meantime, Mr Watson and his wife Becky have formed the Cattersty club, the only youth organisation for children in the Skinningrove and Carlin How area. It plans to make its permanent home at Skinningrove Community Centre, but is temporarily based at Carlin How Community Centre because of flood damage in Skinningrove.

Membership of the club stands at 49, but Mr Watson expects to double it by Christmas.

Mr Watson said the purpose of the group was for children to earn respect in the community.

He said the youngsters would hold a duck race to raise funds for people affected by the floods, starting at 2pm, on Sunday, December 3, at Skinningrove Beck. They want to provide a bingo session for elderly people, and Christmas selection boxes for children.