A SUCCESSFUL youth centre in Barnard Castle is inviting the public to help it celebrate its first anniversary.

The YMCA, which has a drop-in centre in Galgate, opened on September 22 last year.

The centre has proved popular in the town, seeing many young people either visiting Cafe Unlimited or becoming involved in activities such as float-building, film-making and camping trips.

Leah Hobson, a trustee for the YMCA, said: "It took a long time and a lot of work to get the drop-in centre open, but it's all been worth it.

"It has been great to visit the centre over the past year and see it full of young people all doing their own thing."

Next Saturday, an annual meeting for members will be held at 2pm, followed by an open afternoon for the public from 3pm to 6pm.

Tracy Blandford, chief executive officer of YMCA Barnard Castle, said: "We would like to encourage people to come in, have a look around and discover more about what the YMCA does and the many opportunities for young people.

"We would also like to hear ideas for future developments at the YMCA and if anyone is interested in getting more involved, either as a volunteer or a trustee, then come and have a chat with us."

For more information, call 01833-695780.