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

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

Youngsters can play on PlayStations, try their hand at being a disc jockey, 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 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.