A GROUP designed to give young people a voice in Sedgefield village has been established.

Sedgefield town, Sedgefield borough and Durham county councils, in conjunction with several other bodies, have been encouraging activities with the involvement of youth workers.

Several projects have been established and a dedicated youth worker, Litza Johnson, has been appointed.

One project is to establish a forum for youth groups in Sedgefield.

The aim of the forum will be to bring together all the groups in the village on a regular basis.

The group will meet to discuss issues, concerns, provide funding information for youth in the area and assist each other.

Councillor John Robinson said: "The councils wish to use the group as a consultative body on all issues regarding the provision for youth.

"We are also hoping that from this forum we can identify young people who will represent the various groups in the village on external groups."

An initial meeting to establish the youth forum was held in Ceddesfeld Hall.

Coun Robinson said: "This type of forum has proved very successful in other parts of the county. We hope that here in Sedgefield it can be just as successful."