CALIFORNIAN pop and country singer Ashley Jay, 16, is to hold a chat shop in Consett, County Durham, for youngsters to talk about drugs and other youth issues.

Miss Jay, who works with troubled youngsters in the US, will also be performing at Consett's Empire theatre in a show hosted by TV presenter Paddy MacDee.

The chat shop, for 11 to 16-year-olds, will be at the Empire Theatre, between 2.30pm and 4.30pm, on Saturday, February 10.

As well as Miss Jay, professional youth workers will be taking part.

The singer's concert will also be on Saturday, February 10, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5 and £3 for the under-18s.

Also playing will be popular local act The Rye Brothers. For tickets and more information call (01207) 218171.