YOUNGSTERS from across Bromsgrove will be able to branch out when they get their own set of wheels tomorrow (Thursday).

Chairman of Bromsgrove District Council, Cllr John Tidmarsh (Con-Stoke Prior), will hand over the keys of a 17-seater mini-bus to the Multi Agency Resource Centre in Charford.

The £18,000 mini-bus has been funded by the Bromsgrove Community Safety Partnership to encourage youngsters to take part in the many and varied community activities on offer.

John Moody, head of community safety, said: "The mini-bus will be a major asset in getting youngsters off the streets and on the right road to helping them become part of the community."

Debbie Roberts, project manager of the Humphrey Avenue centre, added: "The mini-bus will be a wonderful resource for the two youth groups we currently run in Charford and Sidemoor.

"We hope it will also be available for other groups to use at a later date."

There are more than 100 youngsters aged 13 to 19 in the two groups and the centre provides a wide range of activities, ranging from sports to the arts.

"We aim to find something to interest everyone.

"In June alone, we ran self-defence sessions, first-aid and drug awareness classes and rap/music workshops, all of which were well supported, as well as a trip to Drayton Manor Park," said Debbie.

"Transport has always been a problem for us in the past but the mini-bus will be our passport to much better things ahead."

Drivers wishing to volunteer their services, or simply want to get to know more about the centre's project, are urged to contact Debbie on 01527 874880.