FUNDRAISING for an appeal to create a mobile youth centre in the Yorkshire Dales is getting under way.

A series of events is planned and the first, Soul in the Dales, is on Saturday , and will be a social event at Bolton Castle, near Leyburn.

It will be a celebration of soul music through the years, with dancing, a licensed bar and a barbecue.

The appeal has been launched to buy a specially-equipped van that will tour the villages of Swaledale and Wensleydale that have no facilities for youngsters.

It will regularly visit each of the communities with recreational equipment such as laptop computers, CD players, videos and facilities for hot and cold drinks.

It will be driven by a trained youth worker who will also have a private area available for confidential discussions with troubled teenagers.

Richmondshire youth action officer PC Gary Lewis said: "There is terrific support for this imaginative project throughout the Dales.

"We believe it will give support, help and a shoulder to lean on for young people who could easily be forgotten.

For more information about Saturday's event call (01969) 622310.