A MOBILE youth club could tackle rural isolation for young people in two Durham dales.

Education and youth workers met this week to gather support for the scheme, which would cover scattered communities in Weardale and Teesdale.

Two purpose-built vehicles, equipped with computers, music systems and video games, would go on the road, taking youth workers to regular sessions in communities which do not already have facilities.

Bill Niblo, Dales area co-ordinator for Durham County Council's education in the community service, is part of the team putting the project together.

He said: "The mobile project is a simple idea to bring together mainstream services in partnership to engage and deliver services to young people in their local communities.

"The prime target is young people living in rural settlements who feel isolated from a whole range of services.

"It is often difficult to sustain a youth club or similar facility in a small village, and youth workers can be hard to find.

"It is easier to find people to work with under-11s than teenagers and we, as a service, are trying to make the job more attractive to people.

"Also, we are trying to encourage partners such as health professionals and the Connexions career support service to come on board."

The team, which held an open forum in Glenholme Youth Centre, Crook, on Tuesday, have examined a similar project in east Cleveland, where a vehicle cost about £100,000.

A Neighbourhood Renewal Fund grant is paying for a pilot scheme, and young photographers and artists are being asked to design suitable transport.

Armed with a business plan, the team hopes to put together a funding package so that the service can start next year.

Weardale County Councillor John Shuttleworth said: "This is an excellent facility, which deserves our full support. In some communities, young people become disaffected because there is nothing for them to do, especially in the winter months."