A MEDIA hub for young people in Darlington is to be officially opened today at a special launch event.

Located in Priestgate, C: The Box is a media hub for young people.

Organisers say they hope to provide youngsters with an opportunity to develop a range of media skills from film creation, production, scripting and editing, music creation, animated short films, pod-cast creation, gaming and photography.

The centre also has a recording studio, with the latest green screen technology and iMacs, with full production and editing software.

The opening ceremony, at 1pm, will be followed by an open afternoon from 1.30pm until 4pm, for partners, giving them a chance to see what is on offer.

C: TheBox is a partnership project between The Northern Echo and the media team at Darlington Borough Council's early intervention and prevention team.

The media team has worked with The Northern Echo over the past four years on the rE-view project, an internet platform for young people to voice their opinions and views in a written format.

The team has been based within the centre for the past year and has already established a number of successful youth groups and projects.

Cyndi Hughes, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for children and young people, said: "This ceremony will recognise the huge impact that C: The Box has already had on young people in the town.

"It is a state-of-the-art facility that opens up the creative world of media technology and enables and empowers these young people to get their message across to their target audience.

"The launch will also be a perfect opportunity for other people to find out more about the venue and what it offers.

"Many thanks to our community-focused partner, The Northern Echo, who has generously worked with our team to achieve the success so far."