THE TRUST which has overseen the reopening of Bridport Youth Centre is appealing for volunteers to help secure the building’s long-term future.

Bridport Youth and Community Centre Trust is hoping 100 people come forward to help ensure its future.

The trust took over the running of the youth centre from Dorset County Council on September 1, and has already secured the services of Somerset-based Active Learning and Skills to deliver both the weekly Wednesday and Friday evening clubs.

Members of the trust are now hoping to build on this and ensure the service for the people of Bridport continues.

Bridport Town Council awarded the trust a grant in order to help take over the youth centre.

Trustee Kelvin Clayton said: “Thanks to the generous donation of £5,000 from Bridport Town Council we are halfway there, but we need to match this amount.

“In the short time since we formed the trust, we have built a solid foundation to make the best use of the centre.

“We are keen that the centre is managed and directed by local people.”

He added: “Our plan is to ask 100 people to donate a guaranteed £5 a month.

“In return, one person a month will win £100, but everyone will have the satisfaction of knowing that they are helping to secure a much needed service for the young people of Bridport.”

Dorset County Council stopped providing youth clubs as part of their youth services in August due a severe cut in their budget.

Ros Kayes, chairman of the trust, said: “The trust is hoping that this will help us move on to further ventures, such as a proposal for a daily weekday after school youth café with opportunities for workshops in the arts, music and drama.

“We can do so much more with this building now that it is under our management – make it even better – and good, stable investment via the 100 club will really enable us to forge ahead.”

Anyone who feels that they would like to become one of the 100 people who help save the Bridport Youth Clubs should email Mr Clayton at bridportycc@hotmail.com