A drop-in centre for young people has been launched in Northallerton.

Based in the Connexion Centre, in High Street, the aim is to offer a "one-stop-shop" for the needs of young people.

Up to 30 organisations are taking part, to offer help, advice and guidance on issues that affect young people, including volunteering, education, careers and personal and social development.

Many representatives attended a ceremony to mark the launch with a cake, attended by the Mayor of Northallerton, David Blades.

Millennium Volunteers co-ordinator Donna Westbrook said the drop-in service was for young people aged 16 to 24, who may not otherwise have access to this type of help.

She said: "It made perfect sense to form partnerships with everyone who is working with young people."

Connexions area manager Claire Trevor said: "We hope to encourage young people to use the centre as a one-stop-shop. As the Government support service for 13 to 19-year-olds, we can help them with careers advice, job shops and even help structure their GCSEs and A-levels, or help them if they are homeless."

Connexions manager Natasha Almond said: "If we can get young people to think about volunteering the benefits are immense. It builds up their confidence and their personal and social skills, which can be a great springboard into education or employment."

Drop-in sessions will be every first Thursday of the month, from 3pm to 6pm.