A FACILITIES firm has pledged to redesign a North- East youth drop-in centre for free to help keep it afloat.

The West End Youth Enquiry Service project, run by charity Children North-East, has been operating out of a rundown Victorian building in Graingerville North, Newcastle, for the past decade.

Now _space facilities, part of Space Group in South Gosforth, has pledged to give the charity free design and surveying services to completely renovate the building.

The project and materials will cost £250,000, and more North-East companies are being encouraged to donate goods or services to help with the refurbishment, which has helped more 7,500 children.

The group has drafted a plan – and is a cause supported by North-East actor Tim Healy – which includes treatment rooms, a waiting area and an “open zone” rehabilitation centre.

Andrew Moore, _space facilities associate director, said: “We help support young people living in Newcastle, who may otherwise have limited chances. We would urge more sponsors and supporters to come forward to help donate building materials, interiors features and so on.”