A NEW club in Worcester could prove a boon for parents who are trying to keep their teenagers off the streets.

The Happylands Out of School Centre offers what its owners believe are unique facilities for young people in the city.

James and Carole Pugh, who already run two nurseries in Worcester, decided to create the centre when they realised that their own teenagers had nowhere to go for activities in the evenings.

After buying an old timber barn and surrounding land in Church Lane, Whittington, they set about transforming it into a children's paradise.

The club boasts a BMX track, skateboarding facilities and a sports hall that can be used for netball, basketball, badminton and football.

The converted barn features computer games and television rooms, as well as a homework room for the most conscientious students.

The centre is suitable for children aged from eight to 15.

"There's nothing for this age group in the area. Once they get to this age they've outgrown nursery facilities and don't want to be there," said Carole.

"Our own children have found there's nothing for them to do."

Children are collected from several schools in the area at the end of lessons and the centre be open throughout school holidays.

James' father, Malcolm Pugh, will soon be providing children's facilities of a different nature at neighbouring Pond Farm.

He is developing an educational farm with a 1950s theme, which will be open to school parties.

"It has a craft centre attached and there will be demonstrations of rural crafts," he said.

The farm project is expected to be up and running early next year.

For more information about the after-school club, call Carole or James on 01905 453070. For details of the educational farm, call Malcolm on 01905 345407.