MORE cash has been secured for the development of a youth facility in Ferryhill.

The centre, in a former electrical store in the market place, has been awarded £5,000 from Sedgefield Borough Council's youth development fund.

The award follows a recent announcement that the centre is to become a UK Online Centre, offering access to computers.

The youth forum group, set up by the Ferryhill Partnership, has also submitted a funding bid to the Prince's Trust.

Workmen have started renovating the building, the need for which was identified as a priority in the Ferryhill appraisal.

The centre, aimed at 13 to 18-year-olds, will be staffed by youth workers and will include a recreation area, with pool tables, televisions, a lounge and garden.

Another priority in the appraisal, the need to look at the economic development of the town, is also moving forward.

Durham County Council has agreed to help form an economic development group, until the partnership can put one in place.

The partnership's Jamie Corrigan said: "The industrial estates in Ferryhill are very small and limited for a town this size."