YOUTH workers have won a £30,000 grant to help keep youngsters off the streets and out of trouble.

The Lloyds TSB Foundation made the award to the YMCA in Parliament Street, Consett.

The cash, spread over three years, means the centre can recruit another worker and expand its activities.

Howard Beck, senior branch manager of the Lloyds TSB bank in Consett, presented the cheque to David Hodgson, general secretary of the Consett and District YMCA.

Mr Hodgson said: "We work to give all young people a sense of value and purpose and this grant from the Foundation will help us to make a real difference to the lives of disaffected youths. We are very grateful to the Lloyds TSB Foundation for this funding which will allow the project to continue and expand."

The charity works with more than 400 young people each week and organises a wide range of activity holidays from its centre, including windsurfing, canoeing, abseiling and archery.

It also offers other services such as youth clubs, a community caf, a furniture recycling scheme and hostel accommodation.

Recent successes included helping to send three young people to Poland, where they spent several weeks working as volunteers in an orphanage and a women's refuge.

Billy Robson of Consett YMCA said this latest grant would change the lives of even more disadvantaged youngsters across Derwentside. "There are no bad kids out there - it is all down to their circumstances," he said.

"All they need is a push in the right direction and the YMCA is a great vehicle to help extend young people's opportunities and get them ready for the big wide world."

Alex Watson, leader of Derwentside District Council, and Hilary Armstrong, MP for Durham North West, were on hand to congratulate the team.

Ms Armstrong said: "Consett YMCA has done some great work over many years and has helped open up new opportunities for hundreds of our young people.

"I'm delighted that Lloyds TSB Foundation has made this grant. This extra money will make a real impact and will allow the YMCA to improve the lives of even more of the district's young people."