THANKS to the Prince's Trust, Bere Alston's youth centre has been given a fresh new look.

The centre is the only facility for young people in the village and it was in an appalling state, according to youth worker Jen Potts.

She said: 'Eventually we want to look for funding for a new youth centre but the Prince's Trust kindly agreed to come in and revamp it.

'They have been here for two weeks and it has been cleaned, redecorated, painted and we have got new equipment and sofas. It is really fresh, colourful and vibrant.'

Jen said the youth centre provided many activities for young people between the age of 13 and 19 such as DJ workshops and breakdancing with the focus on team building and confidence building. There were trips out and drugs and alcohol awareness.

Over the past couple of years anti-social behaviour had improved in Bere Alston because of activities provided at the youth centre, added Jen.

She said: 'By giving the kids something to do it prevents them getting into trouble.'