DAISY Russell was volunteering in India when she heard about the threat to Beaminster youth centre and vowed to do what she could to help keep it open.

Now she’s back she has already met West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin to make a case for its support and helped organise a fundraising event.

She says it was the youth centre that gave her the attributes that have stood her in good stead for her life - giving her confidence to visit India and help less fortunate communities.

She was 11 when she started working for Beaminster Youth Centre behind the coffee bar, arranging and taking part of talent shows and doing different fundraising activities.

She said: “My whole record of achievement is filled with projects I ran or took part in during my exciting years at the youth centre. The inspiration I gained for the youth centre was phenomenal. During my time on India I found out the unfortunate news Beaminster Youth Centre is closing down along with other centres. Now I have returned I want to help, work and support as much as possible to ensure this doesn’t happen. I want to drew as much attention so that the next generation can have the opportunities and personal development that I did.”

She added: “Mr Letwin he could see that I was motivated and enthusiastic to make sure there is always a youth group in place. I told him my motivation came from the youth centre all those years ago. He told me he would meet me in the near future and to keep him up-to-date with progress. He also seemed very certain that Beaminster youth centre will have something in place for the future and gave me reassurance. However this only means the youth centre itself.”

There will be a club if the town gets enough support - financial and practical. That will start on June 12 with the Queen’s party in the park and the call has gone out for volunteers to help run a club.