A FORDINGBRIDGE youth café has been growing in popularity with the town's young people.

The weekly café, which is run by Fordingbridge Salvation Army at Roundhill Hall, was launched earlier in the year and now regularly attracts up to 18 young people every week.

It is part of a project for youths and families in the town.

Youth worker Michael French said: "The youth café is going well, we are getting between 12 to 18 young people each week aged between 11 to 16.

"The café is a safe space for them to come and just be themselves, with the café offering simple food and drink which is proving very popular. We have table tennis and pool tables out most weeks, with a Wii and Xbox as well.

"Currently young people just come and chill, with workers there for them to chat to about anything if they wish."

The youth café runs every Thursday from 4pm to 6pm.

Michael added: "We are reviewing if we are going to continue with this style or add in some structured activities, while also looking at other projects or trips that we could offer in addition to the youth café.

"We are still very much in need of volunteers to be able to keep the youth café running and to be able to offer further provision."

In addition to the youth café the Salvation Army also holds a toddler café — Tea and Play — on Mondays and Fridays from 9am to 1pm.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the youth cafe or becoming a volunteer is asked to contact Michael on 01425 650001 or email michael.french @salvationarmy.org.uk