A YOUTH group has donated hundreds of pounds worth of computer game equipment to a women’s refuge in Yorkshire.

The Fire Place in Stokesley recently took delivery of a new games console and after discussions with its young members, it was decided to give a Nintendo Wii along with games and a Wii Fit board to refuge for women who have experienced domestic abuse.

Michelle McFarlane, a founding member and chairperson of the Fire Place, said: “We are delighted to be able to donate the equipment to the refuge. It has given the young people hours of fun and we hope it does the same for women and children who live in the refuge.

“When we suggested to the children who attend the club that the equipment could go to the refuge they thought it was a great idea. The children have sometimes been labelled unfairly as troublemakers and this gesture shows their heart definitely is in the right place.”

The Fire Place is a voluntary-run youth club in Stokesley based at Stokesley fire station and has members aged from six to 16.

Set up by Broadacres Housing Association, North Yorkshire Youth, the Youth Support Service, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and volunteers, it has helped to reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour in Stokesley.