A YOUTH drop-in has been set up to help to keep young people entertained and off the streets in Birchwood.

Charlotte Norman, 24, is the Oakwood Community Association chair and saw an opportunity to open a drop-in session at Oakwood Community Hub with funding from Asda Birchwood, Asda Cockhedge and Golden Gates Housing Trust.

She explained: "There was an opportunity for a new project to start.

"I was the went who went about furthering the idea and now it's fully open.

"It started from nothing and now we're getting about 17 children through the door taking part in different activities."

Every Monday from 7pm until 9pm, 11-17 year-olds can pay 50p to take part in arts and crafts, help with homework, games, reading, writing, and using the wifi at Youth Oakwood Drop-In (YODI).

Charlotte added: "The parents are amazed that the kids have somewhere to go now.

"The aim is that they can drop in and out as they please."

Young people can even make use of a snack bar, where prices are cheaper than shops in the area, and other refreshments during their visit to the hub.

Charlotte said: "It's just keeping them occupied instead of letting them on the streets.

"They just love talking which you wouldn't believe, but sometimes they just turn up, plug in their phone and use the wifi.

"It's going from strength to strength."

There will soon be another session beginning on a Thursday due to increased demand and Charlotte hopes to continue the project for as long as possible.