A BASKETBALL court which has proved a huge success with youngsters has been officially opened.

The £86,000 floodlit facility, at Kader Youth and Community Centre, Acklam, Middlesbrough, was designed to give youngsters somewhere to meet and play sports.

Local councillors gave the court the official seal of approval by planting four trees at the site.

Centre manager Claire Stanton said the facility had been in constant use since its completion earlier this year.

"We didn't have any facilities up here and they were desperately needed so Middlesbrough Council funded the court which is used for five-a-side football, basketball and other games," she said.

"There have been problems with teenagers in the past round here, but they have always said it's because they have had nowhere to go and nothing to do on a night. Now this place is in use all the time - it's been really successful."

The centre also has a new £125,000 play area for children under 15.