DROITWICH'S drop-in centre for young people has received a major boost thanks to town councillor Richard Morris.

Recently Councillor Morris visited the centre, at Youth House in Old Coach Road, to hand over a cheque for £1,800 from the funds raised during his time as mayor.

"One of my nominated charities was for a youth project and throughout the year I talked about finding something for 13 to 17-year-olds to do," he said.

"These are teenagers who do not want to be members of clubs, but just wish to hang out with mates outside of home.

"With support from Wycavon, the police and many other agencies, we set up a youth forum to see what could be done and tried to break through red tape.

"The money collected is a fabulous achievement by the people of Droitwich," he said.

An impressive £1,200 was also donated by Coun Eve Freer from the defunct Chawson Barnes Youth Group.

"Our biggest struggle has been to find a suitable location for a drop-in centre and we are still on the look-out for a more central location.

"Money is still needed to sustain this important provision for young people in Droitwich and to allow it to open on more than just Saturday nights," he said.

Coun Morris handed the cheque to Ann Nicholls, of the outreach team which has worked to set up the drop-in.

Ms Nicholls said: "After looking at alternative facilities in Droitwich, by working in partnership and by asking the young people what they wanted, the drop-in was set up.

"It was a pilot scheme and since it was set up the number of young people has increased.

"One week recently we had more than 60 young people.

"A long-term plan is to find a place central in Droitwich, and funding to continue it for all young people, who have benefited greatly from it. At this moment in time we can only support a Saturday evening.

"Has it been a success? Evidence proves it has and we thank Richard for all his valuable support."