CHURCHGOERS who joined forces to raise funds to help and support local youths have almost hit their target - three months before their deadline.

Over the last eight months, the churches of Mashamshire and Middleham have been busy fund-raising in order to employ a youth and children’s worker.

He or she will work for three years and help and promote youth activities right across the Lower Wensleydale area.

The churches set themselves a target to raise £65,000 by August this year but have already reached £63,000.

And in addition to contributions from the churches, the project has shown strong local support through the number of donations received.

The Rector of Middleham with Coverdale, East Witton and Thornton Steward, the Reverend Brendan Giblin, said: “We’re tantalisingly close to the target we had set even though it is still only May and we hoped we would reach the target by August.

“If we can raise just another £2,000 we can then start to advertise to find a suitable youth and children’s worker.”

He added: “We are amazed at the support we've had, particularly during these difficult times. It’s a clear sign to us that many people recognise the importance of giving young people the best start in life we can.”

It is planned that the new youth and children’s worker will liaise with local volunteers to build community youth groups and organise outdoor activities throughout the area..

He or she will also work with all the local schools and other youth organisations to enhance the guidance, support and activities available.

On top of that an important aspect of the work will be building links with “detached” young people – those who don’t belong to any other youth organisation and who might otherwise be forgotten, until they need more urgent help.

The local Anglican parishes and Methodist churches have united for the scheme and set up a new charity, the Lower Wensleydale Youth Project, to administer and manage it.