YOUTH services in rural parts of Darlington borough have come under scrutiny in the wake of a scathing Government report.

Earlier this year, an Ofsted inspection of the borough council's youth service condemned it for having more weaknesses than strengths.

It was said to be failing hundreds of teenagers and the report called for significant investment to be made.

Since February, when the inspection was carried out, the council has improved the service and introduced new initiatives.

But the issue of activites for youngsters in the rural communities surrounding Darlington was raised at a full meeting of the borough council on Thursday night.

Councillor Brian Jones, who represents the Sadberge and Whessoe ward, said the scrapping of grant aid for village halls some years ago had contributed to a decline in youth provision.

"There are no centres of provision in rural areas and that must change," he said.

Councillor Chris McEwan, cabinet member for children's services, said: "We recognise that we need to invest more. There will be a substantial increase in resources.

"This will benefit all children in Darlington, whether rural or in the town."