A MOBILE youth club is taking activities to youngsters in villages in the Swaledale and Richmond areas.

The Fun Function van is bound for Gunnerside, Low Row, Melsonby, Brompton on Swale and parts of Richmond. It is hoped the number of venues can be expanded in the future.

The Richmond and Swaledale community education vehicle, based at the youth centre in the grounds of Richmond School, was funded by the Countryside Agency, Richmondshire Community Safety Partnership and community education.

The project was led by the Rev Ann Chapman, vicar of Askrigg, and involved North Yorkshire police.

The van logo, Fun Function, was designed by Will Morton and Sean Ferguson, members of Richmond Youth Club.

Two youth workers staff the unit, which is equipped with games, art and other items and information for young people on a wealth of subjects, including drugs advice.

There is also outdoor activity equipment and a pool table, which can be used when the weather allows.

Dawn Brown, of the youth centre, said: "We have recently taken delivery of the van and its bright logo is already being recognised in the area. We hope it will become a popular attraction for young people in the villages, where there are often very few activities for teenagers."

The mobile youth club will be used four nights a week after half term.

Viv Osborn, district manager for Richmond and Swaledale community education, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for young people to access youth provision locally."