A GROUP of teenagers are leading the way in a bid to provide a youth centre for their home town.

They have been gathering information for a feasibility study which will be unveiled later this summer.

The 18-strong group - from Northallerton College, the Allertonshire School and school leavers - have already been to Edinburgh, Harrogate and Thirsk, to see what sort of youth clubs have been set up, how they came into being and how well they serve the needs of local youngsters.

Youth worker Emma Casson, who is leading the project, said: "Although there have been youth projects and a survey before, this is the first time young people have done this sort of wide-ranging study in Northallerton.

"We still have to go to Ripon, Bolton and London."

The project is funded by North Yorkshire County Council's community education department and Connexions.

The study is the latest step in the search to provide activities for young people in Northallerton.

At one time a youth club used to meet in the basement of the town hall until the basement was flooded.

When complete, probably around the end of July, the study will be presented to the county council, town council and police, as well as church and community leaders.

It is expected to say what young people do and don't want, and to address the matter of funding.

Student Caroline Kidd said the group had received fantastic support in Northallerton, where it meets regularly.

She said: "Some of us met Northallerton mayor Tony Hall, to discuss what young people in the district need and how to achieve it.

"From this meeting, we were approached with the idea of a temporary cinema and offered use of part of the town hall. But first we have to consider a lot of issues."