A YOUTH club which was flooded out more than a year ago is to re-open to the public this week.

The Northallerton youth centre, formally known as the T-Zone, has undergone extensive refurbishment after falling a victim to the floods of the winter of 2000.

The club, which is in the basement of the town hall, was filled with several feet of water and damage ran into thousands of pounds.

The revamped centre includes a new kitchen, but work done by youngsters on turning the club into a 50s-style diner was lost.

"A mix-up had left the club uninsured and members have had to start from scratch to rebuild it," said youth leader Andy West.

"We thought we were covered under the town hall.

"The building is so secure. There is only one entrance, a big door that Hercules could not break down. The unforeseen event of the flood made us think that there was an error somewhere along the line.

"The structure of the building is sound now. It is basically a blank canvas for young people to work on.

"Over the next few months we will look at what they want to do with it."

The club is planning a few changes, such as starting a monthly band night, with groups and DJs from Northallerton College performing.

Youth leaders are working flat out this week to put the finishing touches to the revamped centre, which opens on Wednesday, with a party from 7pm to 10pm.

The event is open to youngsters aged 13 to 18 and will feature DJs and live music from college students.

The event is ticket-only, with tickets available from the college.

For further information contact Andy West on (01609) 773340.