A GROUND-BREAKING text message scheme will offer youngsters the chance to shape the future of their town.

Darlington Borough Council will launch a service next month, giving young people the chance to find out what is available for them in the town via their mobile phones.

TextVibe will allow any young person to receive information about events in the area, as well as the chance to have their say about life in Darlington and how it could be improved.

The council had come under fire over its youth provision in recent weeks, particularly in the wake of the deaths of teenagers Stuart Adams and Lee Mullis, on the East Coast Main Line, on Good Friday.

Trevor Adams, Stuart's father, had called on the council to provide more facilities for young people. Teenagers had also complained that there was nothing for them to do.

Last night, Mr Adams said he thought the TextVibe scheme was a very good idea.

"It's smashing, I really like that," he said. "It's a big step in the right direction.

"It adds a new dimension to what they have at the moment, and sounds very promising indeed."

Under TextVibe, questions will be sent via text messages to find out what young people think about issues such as transport and sporting facilities.

The service will initially be available to about 2,000 young people,who are members of the borough council's youth service and have signed up to receive texts.

However, the council says it wants as many of the town's young people as possible to sign up to the initiative.

Registration forms are available from the youth service at the town hall, the Dolphin Centre or any council-run youth club in the Darlington borough.

Anyone who signs up will also get a wristband in the service's green and yellow colours.

The TextVibe service is free to join and no charges are made to receive texts. Any replies sent by members will be charged at their normal text message rate.

Chris McEwan, the council's children's services spokesman, said: "I am really pleased that the council is setting up this service for young people via their mobile phones.

"I do feel it is a highly relevant and easy way of engaging with Darlington's young people. I will be watching the progress of this service very closely over the coming months and I am sure it will be a success for everyone."

The council is in the process of securing a £90,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund to pay for activities for youngsters for the next three years.