A YOUNGSTERS' summer playscheme will be the first group to enjoy a community centre created by the £268,000 conversion of a church hall.

The St Cuthbert's Youth and Community Project, in the West Lane area of Middlesbrough, has been made possible through £244,000 of West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust (WMNT) funding, £20,000 from the Church Urban Fund, and £4,000 from St Martin's Church.

It will provide young people aged five to 16 with a venue for activities such as youth clubs, parent and toddler groups and kickboxing classes.

The development has been welcomed in the area.

Joan Ford, chairwoman of WMNT, said: "The West Lane community has been crying out for a youth facility of its own, so I am absolutely delighted work is now complete at the church hall.

"We are committed to involving young people in the regeneration of West Middlesbrough, and encouraging them to use this venue and take pride in where they live is a huge step towards that goal."

The Reverend David Jago, vicar of the parish of St Martins with St Cuthberts, said: "This is an important and exciting project, not only because it will create a much needed facility for young people and other residents, but because it is bringing together different groups of people into a partnership for the benefit of the community."

A management committee has been set up to produce a business plan for future uses of the venue to ensure it can be maintained as a long-term facility for young people.