A youth club was launched in Darlington yesterday.

The club, at Northlands Methodist Church, in the town's North Road area, opens on Monday and will run every Monday evening from 6.30pm.

Yesterday, members of the council's youth service handed out leaflets to Longfield School pupils explaining what the club has to offer.

It will be aimed at young people from the North Road area, but will be open to any young person in the borough aged 11 to 19.

There will be a variety of activities and projects on offer, including accredited courses, leading to recognised qualifications.

Chris McEwan, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for children's services, said: "This is the latest youth service-run youth club to open in Darlington and we are committed to providing the kind of activities young people want to take part in.

"We are really keen to work with young people from the area to find out what activities and events they would like the club to provide."

For more information, call 01325-362957.

Young people in the town are being invited to access grants from a £310,000 pot.

Over the next two years, the borough council will allocate the money from the Government-funded Youth Opportunity Fund and Youth Capital Fund and young people can apply for grants for services and activities in their neighbourhood.

To secure funding, youngsters must take the lead in coming up with ideas although they can be supported by an adult or youth organisation.

Adult volunteers are also required to provide support and assistance to young people.

For further information, call 01325-346431 or go to www.darlington.gov.uk/thedosh