A YOUTH club is looking for premises after part of a community centre was damaged.

Consett Churches Detached Youth Project used to hold a drop-in service at Crookhall Community Association, in Crookhall, near Consett.

Young people aged 12 to 21 would play pool, table tennis, darts and organise community projects and activities.

Youth leaders and volunteers would also give advice on drug and alcohol abuse, sexual health and healthy eating.

But the young people have been told they cannot meet at the premises after damage to decking and a shed window last week. Youth worker Lynne Hall took about 30 youngsters to McDonald's, in Consett, after they were told that their regular Wednesday session could not go ahead.

She said: "They were absolutely gutted when they were told the session had been cancelled and did not know anything about what had happened.

"These kids are the future of our community and we need to engage with them now."

Miss Hall said the project, which started 26 years ago after the closure of Consett steelworks, had been looking for more premises.

She said the drop-in sessions were so successful the club was running out of space.

Association treasurer Sean Melody said: "There have been some incidents and we were approached by residents who said if we could not do anything about the damage, the project would have to stop.

"It is very unfortunate and a great shame. There is very little for young people to do and we do not blame them all. We realise that it was a small minority who have spoiled it for the majority.

"We would be very happy to give any backing to help them find a bigger place."

Anyone who can help with the search for premises is asked to call 01207-501863.