Last updated 19:53, Thursday, 04 September 2008

A WORKINGTON youth group has held an open day to attract new members.

More than 40 young people turned up to the Youthtastic event in its newly refurbished Nook Street premises.

Activities included arts and crafts, face painting, inflatable games and a circus workshop.

Speedway riders Kauko Nieminen and Richard Lawson officially opened the new-look centre at Impact Housing Association’s headquarters in the old police station.

Anne Payne, of Impact, said: “It was so young people could have fun and get to know one another.

“We were trying to get more young people to sign up and it was also a chance to see what kind of activities they are interested in.”

The meeting area has a bar which serves soft drinks.

There is a kitchen where young people can meet, get involved in healthy eating or sit and chat.

The club also has an area where young people surf the internet, carry out craft activities and challenge their friends on a Nintendo Wii.

Impact Housing employees will also be there to offer young people support to develop their own projects.

Mrs Payne said: “There is a real shortage of places that young people can meet so we are really pleased to be involved in this venture.”

She added “We have had a good response. It’s very much a youth group where the young people themselves take charge.

“Hopefully they get to influence things that are happening in their community. It helps to build their skills and confidence in a place where they feel comfortable.”

The youth group started in 2002.