Allendale Youth Club in Hexham is set to benefit from a £55,144 grant as part of the UK Government's Youth Investment Fund.

The club provides local rural youngsters with a range of activities designed to equip them with life skills.

The funding for Allendale Youth Club will focus on damp inside part of the building, provide a new kitchen and new flooring as well as food preparation and a new toilet facility.

On completion of the refurbishments, the club plans to start a new cookery programme for its young members and is hoped to attract around 40 more youth club members.

Project manager at Allendale Youth Ambition, Julie Humes celebrated the announcement, saying: "We were over the moon to be awarded this grant from the Youth Investment Fund, which will see our kitchen and toilet area completely transformed.

"Over the years, we have managed to make the youth centre welcoming and comfortable, but this will be the largest capital investment we have ever had.

"When the work is completed, our young people will be able to do lots more cooking and baking, and we intend to run a course on making healthy meals on a budget - which will prepare the young people for independent living one day."

Local MP, Guy Opperman visited the club last week, speaking highly of the potential impact of the funding. He said: "This Government grant will be truly transformational for the life chances and outcomes of local young people here in Allendale.

"Coming from a rural background myself, I know how important it is to have access to local facilities, particularly at a young age. It was a pleasure to visit the Youth Club to see first-hand the difference this funding will make to life chances for children in and around Allendale. "I want to thank Julie Humes and the team at the Youth Club who work so hard to provide to ensure this warm and welcoming space serves as the heart of the local community."

The Youth Investment Fund is a government initiative designed to improve local services and facilities.