A NEW initiative, which aims to channel young people's energy into positive projects, is proving both popular and successful.

Richmond YMCA was given a grant from the Local Network Fund for Children and Young People to launch Richmond Youth Focus.

The youth council aims to give all young people an opportunity to be a part of the local decision-making process, encourage them to speak their minds and give them somewhere to develop new skills.

Richmond YMCA chief executive Ken Allinson said: "The development of Richmond Youth Focus is central to the work of Richmond YMCA in enabling young people to fully participate in their local community.

"The YMCA building development project, the Richmond Community Skate Park and all YMCA programmes are based on meeting the needs of young people locally."

So far, Richmond Youth Focus has helped with the appointment of a youth worker and conducted a survey on the substantial number of empty shops in Richmond and how they could be filled.

Anyone who would like to join can attend Richmond Youth Focus meetings at the YMCA at 5pm on Mondays.