A NEW club for youngsters from ethnic minorities in Darlington has attracted dozens of teenagers in its first two weeks.

The youth 'pod,' which is based at North Lodge Park in Darlington, is a converted shipping container which serves as a youth club.

Youngsters can use Playstations, try their hand at being a DJ, or learn to dance using dance mats and a video. There are already two youth pods at Lascelles and Skerne Park, but before last week there was nothing aimed specifically at ethnic minorities.

Mohammed Akhtar, who has been appointed ethnic minorities officer at Darlington Borough Council, said it was felt the Bangladeshi community in particular was being under-represented in the town.

He said: "We really just wanted to create a space for black and ethnic minority youngsters to go, because there is very little for them in the town. Of course, it is not exclusively for ethnic minorities - any youths are welcome.

"We had complaints from local residents about groups of young people hanging around the car park, but since we opened, they now have somewhere better to meet up.

"The residents are really pleased with the results of the pod and are fully behind us.

"It has been so popular we are thinking about opening it even longer."

In the pod, there is a set of DJ mixing decks, seating, a Playstation, TV, and dance mats.

In the summer Mr Akhtar hopes to encourage youngsters to play tennis and other games in North Lodge Park by lending them tennis rackets and balls.

A peer mentor, Ian Bell, 16, is also working voluntarily at the pod to offer information and advice to youngsters.

He said: "We are working on the basis that people find it easier to talk to others the same age, so that is what I am here for."

Information leaflets about everything from drugs to sexual health are available at the pod, and youth workers are on hand to offer help and advice.

Youth worker Allen Hazlett said: "I'm just getting to know the young people at the moment.

"I am also trying to find out more about the culture, so I can understand any issues that might arise."

The youth pod is open from 6pm until 8pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.