TWO Northallerton men are hoping their hobby is about to take off with youngsters.

Town councillor Rob Kennedy and friend Brian Newman want to set up a model-making club. Coun Kennedy scratch-builds working model ships and Mr Newman makes and flies model aircraft.

Coun Kennedy, who has been model-making since he was a boy, said the aim was to give young people in the town something positive to occupy their time. "We have got a stack of kids running around the streets," he said. "We have got to look at things like this to catch children's imagination and get them off the streets."

Mr Newman, of Crosby Road, said: "We want to start a club where we can teach the basics right from the word go, with the major emphasis on safety."

A qualified instructor and member of the British Model Flying Association, he has training aircraft available to help youngsters get off the ground.

He is also qualified to fly at shows and is a member of a club at Darlington. "It is a 52-week-a-year hobby," he said. I enjoy building when the weather is bad and flying in the good weather. I love building them, I love flying them and I love the comradeship of the club."

Coun Kennedy said the hobby was a great education tool for youngsters. "It is wonderful for your maths, teaches you painting and how to use different woods," he said. "But above all you need imagination."

The club is open to anyone aged 14 or over. Younger children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Anyone interested should contact Coun Kennedy on 01609 779105