A YOUTH outreach project has been set up in Ludger-shall with the help of a £10,000 lottery grant.

Teenreach is run on Thursday nights at Ludgershall Scout Hut by volunteers Peter and Sarah Gladwin, Clive and Emma Young and Taff and Nancy Diamond.

Peter said: "About a year and a half ago we felt there was a desperate need in Ludgershall for somewhere safe for the youth to go.

"The young people were congregating on the streets at night time and through our research we discovered that people felt intimidated by them.

"Since the youth club closed down there has been nowhere for them to go."

Peter says its important to educate young people about drugs, alcohol, bullying and health and social issues at a time when they will be making decisions about their lives.

"Our aim is to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and our motto says Teenreach is about getting kids off the streets," he added.

"We want to help them develop in key areas, provide learning opportunities and life skills."

Already the new club is attracting around 30 young people and Peter is keen to see it develop.

But he says they really need a dedicated youth centre in the village which can be used as a suitable meeting place.

The group is aimed at 11 to 16-year-olds and also offers games and competitions.

They are appealing for a snooker/pool table, football table and dartboard. Anyone who can help should call Mr Gladwin on 01264 398513.