THE first grant awarded through a new £5m scheme to improve neighbourhoods across the borough of Sedgefield is going to a youth drop-in centre.

Number 66, in West Cornforth, has been awarded the first Local Improvement Programme grant of £64,400.

The cash is the final piece in a funding jigsaw of more than £200,000 needed to convert a derelict shop in the High Street into the facility.

The centre will offer a safe and staffed social area for young people to access the Internet, video conferencing, project sessions, counselling and training.

A disused flat upstairs will also be refurbished and could be leased to other agencies supporting the work of Cornforth Partnership, which will manage the centre from its base next door.

That would also generate income for the organisation.

The project was initiated when young villagers were asked about anti-social behaviour in their community and identified the need for a drop-in or e-caf.

Cornforth Partnership, the Next Step Youth project and Youth Aloud - the village's youth forum - developed the idea and, with Cornforth Parish Council and local community input, acquired the building.

Work will start this month and should be complete by the end of the year.

Cornforth Partnership co-ordinator Karen Lynn said: "Apart from vastly improving the appearance of the High Street, this will help combat isolation by providing a range of social, recreational and educational activities as well as advice and support on a range of issues."

The funding comes from a Sedgefield Borough Council scheme that aims to develop community projects to improve the environment and quality of life.

It has pledged £5m to the funding scheme over the next five years - money raised by selling land to housing developers.

Council leader Bob Fleming said: "The grant is fantastic news for the village and demonstrates how partnership working, especially with young people, can affect real change.

"This will have a huge impact on the local community and will provide a much-needed resource."

Groups wanting to apply for funding can call (01388) 816166.