A HOST of activities are planned for young community centre users after a play development officer was appointed.

Sharon Hopwood has taken up the post at Jubilee Fields Community Centre, in Shildon, after the centre secured a £98,760 grant from the BBC's Children In Need.

The post has a special meaning to 45-year-old Mrs Hopwood as she was among residents who attended public meetings in a bid to create a community centre on the Shildon housing estate.

Now the centre is at the hub of the community and plans to develop activities to attract more young people.

She said: "I attended the meetings so I know how much this centre means to people. There is definitely a need to get the young people here engaged in something and I love working with them."

Mrs Hopwood plans to develop survival skill classes along with Shildon's Pilgrim Club as well as cheerleading sessions and inflatable play sessions.

She said: "I would love to do another summer camp with the kids. I went on one with them to Carlton Lodge and they are still talking about it."

Her role is to get as many activities as possible running for youngsters aged between three and 15.

She said: "Most of what I have done up to now is put structures and policies in place. I am looking forward to introducing more activities in the new year."