A BURNHAM-on-Sea youth club has been praised by councillors for the service it provides young people in the area.

The Zone Youth Club, which runs at The Bay Centre in Burnham, was given a £3,500 lifeline from Burnham and Highbridge Town Council last year after its original funding ran out and was under threat of closure.

Councillor Andy Brewer went to the centre earlier this month for a ‘monitoring visit’ and told members at the town council’s Policy and Finance committee on Monday (November 27) that the centre is now holding its own fund raising initiatives.

Cllr Brewer said: “We had a very encouraging visit.

“We spoke with a number of children and youth workers and got a good response from all of them.

“When I arrived at the club a group of children were playing hockey outside – it was great to see so many of them taking part.”

Since receiving the grant, the club has been taken over by new management and has bought a range of new equipment which allows them to run more activities with the children.

Cllr John Parkes praised the club on the progress it has made.

“The Zone Youth Club needs to be applauded on what they have achieved in creating a safe and welcoming space for youngsters,” Cllr Parkes said.

Jane Lilley from the Zone Youth Club, thanked the council for their support and said she hopes the service continues to go from strength to strength.

“We are grateful we have had the money to welcome more children into the club and we hope to buy more equipment for the centre in the new year,” Jane said.