MUSICAL Malvern teenagers will take to the stage next week to raise funds for the centre which has given them the chance to exp-ress themselves.

Nine teenagers who attend Malvern Youth Centre, on Albert Road North, recently formed their own fundraising group, SLUGS, to raise money for centre activities.

The initiative has now spawned a special one-off concert at the venue on Saturday, January 26.

So far the group has raised more than £200 by taking part in a sponsored walk, a fete stall, sponsored freezer sit-in and sponsored silence.

Malvern bands, 1 Foot Forward and Eleven, will join Bromsgrove group Never Thought to perform their varied repertoires, which include metal and punk, at the gig.

The bands themselves are formed with young people aged 15 to 25.

SLUGS spokeswoman Leah White said: "We hope that it will be a successful and enjoyable event."

Apart from its fundraising efforts, the group has been invited to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and the Millennium Volunteers scheme.

"We all gladly accepted the opportunity," she added.

"What's great about this group is that it's something we enjoy that allows us to help others and benefit ourselves at the same time."

Tickets for the concert are £2.50 each, or £3 on the door, available from the Youth Centre on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

There will be no entry to those under 14.