BUY a brick and help secure the future of a youth centre used by local teenagers at Chandler's Ford.

That's the rallying cry going out from The Chandler's Ford Youth Centre which needs to net another £75,000 for a long-awaited modernisation and extension scheme.

Secretary of the centre management committee Brenda Lawrence said it was all systems go for the scheme.

An architect was on board to draw up plans for the proposed extension and user groups - Eastleigh Borough Youth Theatre, High Spirits & Little Gems - were joining forces with the management committee to raise the cash still required.

To date £26,000 has been raised and help from the community has already come from the Eastleigh Lions Club which took collecting tins round at the opening of the Chandler's Ford Station and raised £206 and also gave a donation of £100.

"The centre is a valuable community asset. Over 200 young people use it every week and once the extension and modernisation is complete we will be able to offer better facilities and better disabled access plus accommodate other youth organisations who are desperate for a home," said the management secretary.

She added: The building is getting run down and desperately needs a major upgrade. This development is needed for the future."

The next fundraising event will be at Eastleigh Borough Youth Theatre's production of Animal Farm at Eastleigh's dance and arts centre, The Point, Eastleigh, from December 10 to 13 when the audiences will have the opportunity to buy a brick for the nominal amount of £1.

Local businesses who would like to support the project should contact Brenda Lawrence on 023 8025 3813.