A CLUB that helps disadvantaged young people in Darlington has benefitted from money raised by the BBC Children in Need appeal.

Top Deck, based at Parkgate Chambers on Borough Road, has received £69,045 from the appeal to be spread over the next three years.

The money will fund two project workers to continue making a difference to the lives of some of the most disadvantaged children and young people in the borough.

Morag Coates, project director, said: “Top Deck is delighted to have this support from BBC Children in Need to secure two key workers which will enable us to reach out to young people in the Darlington area, offering a venue where they feel safe and supported.”

Top Deck was set up over 20-years-ago to provide a safe haven where young people of secondary school age and over could meet and socialise during their evening leisure time all year round.

A typical evening attracts between 40 to 70 attendees and there is regular contact with around 200.

Younger children from the age of eight to early teens can enjoy a fortnightly Saturday club from 10am until 2pm.

The club provides key workers and a team of dedicated volunteers to support Top Deck members and all the services they provide are free, making the club accessible to all.

Originally based on Grange Road, the club has been operating on Parkgate for over 15-years and for more information about Top Deck, contact 01325 351574 daytime, or 01325 241800 in the evenings.

Email can also be sent to topdeckdarlington@gmail.com.

The 2013 BBC Children in Need appeal raised a record-breaking £49.6million which is being shared among hundreds of projects that benefit youngsters across the country.