YOUTH workers are aiming to raise £43,000 for a minibus to help more disabled young people take part in its activities.

Chester-le-Street Youth Centre, based on Cone Terrace, is trying to raise the money to buy the bus and adapt it for wheelchair users.

Its current bus is in desperate need of replacement and is not accessible for people with disabilities, but the centre runs an integrated group for able-bodied and disabled young people, which re-starts next month.

Centre manager Beth Storey said: "The minibus we have at present doesn't have access for the disabled and we want to offer all young people access. We have put the bids in to funders for grants, but we are having a real push because it is becoming quite urgent and we need to raise matched funding.

"The total project is £43,000, which includes installing a lift, maintenance, tax and insurance for three years."

Workers at the centre will be holding a summer fair on Saturday, June 14, from 10am and 3pm, to raise money.

There will be a bouncy castle, quad bikes, music, tombola as well as other attractions.

Anyone wishing to make a donation, or any charity that would like to operate a stall at the fair, can ring 0191-388 4770.