A SORELY-missed Friday evening youth drop-in centre in Ringwood has returned at a new venue thanks to Ringwood Town Council and a host of volunteers.

The successful drop-in at the Belinda's Bakery cafe in the High Street closed this summer when owner Peter Ellis retired through ill health.

Phil and Jenny Critchlow, who had run the drop-in for the previous 10 years, were persuaded to look for other quarters by one of their regulars, Gareth Vaughan, who died of leukaemia in the summer.

Ringwood Town Council filled the breach by offering the old tennis pavilion in Carvers recreation ground and providing funding.

After a huge amount of hard work and devotion from supporters, the new drop-in was officially opened by New Forest District Council's crime and disorder portfolio holder Cllr Goff Beck on Friday.

Jenny Critchlow said: "The pavilion was in a sorry state of repair and thanks to the support of a number of people who have given time, money or resources, we now have a smart, comfortable space for young people to meet on a Friday evening from 8pm to 10.30pm."

She said Gareth, who died in July, never gave up hope that the drop-in would continue.

"The work we do at the drop-in will always be inspired by Gareth's amazing wisdom and personality."

Others involved in the project were Ringwood Carnival, which provided £1,000, Romsey Electricals, which gave a room heater, Melvin Glasspool, artist Duncan, electrician Frank Hutchins, plumber Mark Harris, CK Coffee, Chocolate Box, Ringwood Wholesale Confectioners, the many teenagers who gave "their solid support" and Phil Critchlow, who worked every weekend from September to refurbish the building.