YOUNGSTERS who want somewhere to go to take them off the streets are making the most of a new centre in a South Lakeland town.

The Ulverston Youth Base was unveiled to young people and parents at a grand opening in the auction rooms at Theatre Street, after moving from premises in Bolton Place.

The Spirit of Youth project offers a safe place for schoolchildren to visit in the evenings, and as well as socialising with friends there is an opportunity for them to learn new skills. The Base also offers lunchtime drop-ins' at Ulverston Victoria High School.

Lynn Williams, of Young Cumbria, which is backing the scheme, said: "This centre gives them somewhere to come in the evening where they can be safe and learn at the same time as having fun.

"When the youngsters come to the club, or work with us when we visit schools, they are able to achieve something they can put in their CV by gaining qualifications through the Open College Network, looking into drugs and alcohol awareness."

As well as being at the centre, field trips have been arranged, including a recent outing to a skatepark in Milton Keynes, allowing youngsters who are keen to develop a similar facility in Ulverston to find out more.