YOUNGSTERS in the Chalford parish - home to the district's fastest growing youth population - have been taking part in a new and exciting programme of activities and classes.

Street dance, self-defence, babysitting and hair and beauty are just a few of the activities on offer at the Frith Youth Centre in Brownshill.

Youth co-ordinator Beth Jenkins said the classes have proved popular because the young people helped decide what would be on offer.

She added that membership is rising at the 50-year-old club, which has been open in its current form for four years.

"As we have the district's fastest growing youth population it's important we preserve facilities like this," said Beth, a mum-of-two.

"And with children spending so much time inside and on computer games today, it is important that they can go to a relaxed place to meet friends where there are structured activities."

The new autumn season of events has also provided activities for other age groups, including Sunday family afternoons and street self-defence for adults.

The new sessions have been run alongside the club's regular and ongoing activity evenings such as the indoor skate club and junior youth club - which includes games, indoor football, table tennis, crafts and caf.

The oldest part of the club, which was built in two parts over 20 years, was built in the 1958 to accommodate the local boys club.

By the end of the decade however, the youth club had run into disrepair.

For dedicated youth club committee member, Steven Nobes, 18, the rejuvenation in recent years has a special relevance as his great-grandfather was a founder member.

And Steven's grandfather, Michael Nobes, 65, was also a committed member and later youth leader.

"I used to go along and help my grandpa out," said Steven, a former Thomas Keble pupil who was named club member of the year in 2004 by youth organisation, Young Gloucestershire.

"It's important young people have somewhere they can go as many end up sitting around the local park drinking all night.

"Also a lot of parents can bring their kids along if they need a rest."