THE first anniversary of the reopening of Holsworthy’s Youth Centre was celebrated with an open day recently, writes Christine Williams.

Both inside and outside the building there were various fundraising stalls and raffles, delicious food and burgers on sale, exhibitions of antique keys and tools, face painting, a bouncy castle and, for those who wanted to, finger prints could be taken by PCSO Raquel Rowe and PFCSO Mark James.

Determined that the young people of Holsworthy should have a place of their own following the closure of the facility by Devon County Council in October 2014, the Market and Coastal Towns Initiative and the Holsworthy Community Property Trust teamed up with Community Action Through Sport to reopen the centre exactly a year ago.

So now, after school every Tuesday up to 40 young people in Years 6 to 9 attend from 3.15pm to 5.15pm and about a dozen from Years 10 and 11 attend a session from 5.30pm to 8pm as well as acting as volunteers with the younger children.

Community Action Through Sport project development manager Karen Hemmings said cooking classes and arts and crafts were popular activities and they have now developed a garden area where they can grow food for themselves or the community.

Young people could also drop in for a game of pool or table tennis, and to make the most of the music room and DJ booth.

Sixteen-year-old Tabby Kirkwood said she enjoyed attending for the cooking and table tennis, but she was also a volunteer with the younger children. She said the youth centre with its family atmosphere provided a great place for young people.

Fifteen-year-old Nathan Wilcox said he enjoyed the gardening and sisters Witney (12) and Coleen Wilcox (14) said they enjoyed arts and crafts, in particular making cards of which there was an impressive display.

Karen added they depend on about six to ten adult volunteers but they really needed more.

For more information contact Karen on 01288 488086.