Youngsters took a harsh break from their battle to set up a £125,000 youth centre - by going hungry and sleeping in a tent to raise money for the poor.

Although they are disappointed the youth centre plans have been rejected by councillors they are optimistic they will get what they want in the end.

Peter Hillman, leader of Legacy XS - the charity behind the plans - said youngsters, who have already raised £30,000, were feeling confident councillors would eventually give their centre at south Benfleet playing fields the green light.

Mr Hillman said: "We are sure councillors will stick to their word, after all they all agreed the project in principle last month.

"Also, by the next planning committee meeting in March, councillors would have spoken with us and visited the proposed site, this should help dispel any fears they may have."

Meanwhile, the Legacy youngsters showed their caring nature by raising money for the poor when they went without food for 24-hours in support of poverty victims and raised £200.

Mr Hillman said: "The charity World Vision hold a 24-hour famine every year so we joined with other young people across the country in being sponsored to go without food for a day.

"The event also involved sleeping outside in a 'refugee camp' built out of scrap materials."

Published Tuesday, February 25, 2003

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