A SUCCESSFUL trial youth club has now won funding to become a permanent fixture.

A number of local businesses and community groups have donated cash, equipment and facilities to help Tiptree Youth Club establish itself in offering activities for 11 to 17-year-olds.

Colchester Council and Tiptree Parish Council have also given their support.

Youth club chairman Steve Bays said: “We are grateful to both the councils for their support, and to the Tiptree Co-operative Community Group, which has kindly donated £250 for a music system.

“We cannot forget the magnificent generosity of Wilkin and Sons, who have not only offered us their premises at Wilkin's Hall free of charge, but also agreed to pay for fencing to be erected and donated a wide-screen television “Without Wilkin, none of this would be possible and we cannot thank them enough.”

Following feedback from the trial sessions, which were extended after backing from Essex County Council, the club will offer separate sessions for school Years 7 to 9, and Years 10 to 12, on alternate Fridays.

Sarah Bays, youth club secretary, added: “We feel breaking the age groups down in this way will enable the club to offer more age-appropriate activities and facilities to each of the groups.”

The youth club is also appealing for volunteers to help run it.

Daisy Silcock, committee member responsible for volunteer recruitment, said: “It would be lovely to hear from some members of our community who may like to be involved, as this would be a great way of integrating the different generations within the village.

“If we were to hope to run two sessions a week, we would need considerably more volunteers than we have at present.”

Anyone wishing to volunteer should contact Daisy at ds@tiptree.com or on 07970 922908.