YOUNG people from Tavistock Youth Café, board members and youth workers will be working together in some much-needed fundraising during Tavistock's Dickensian Evening tomorrow (Friday).

Youth bands Full Flavour Function and Stacked will be performing at the Tavistock Inn from 6pm to 7.30pm, hoping to raise money for the charity through donations.

Young people and volunteers from the café will be situated in West Street, hosting a Victorian coconut shy, and 'The Stocks' where people will have the chance to throw wet sponges at local youth workers and other guests.

Tavistock Youth Café (TYC) is a voluntary youth provision for young people aged 11 to 19.

It runs four sessions a week, including a popular music project 'Zephyr', a girls' group 'WOW' (Women only Wednesdays), a street sports session for the Tavi Riders and TYC Skate team and an open drop in session where young people can play pool, chill out, use the internet, get hot food and generally enjoy a safe space.

It also has a number of user groups, Tavistock Youth Café Plus for young people with special needs, Young Carers run by Young Devon, Re-Think for young people and adults with mental health issues and Young Parents, run by the children's centre.

With the café providing all these activities, the youth provision's base in Pixon Lane is no longer suitable.

TYC manager Vicki Lloyd said: 'The youth café is in desperate need of a new building — the one we are in currently is on its last legs to say the least. The doors don't open and close properly, the roof leaks, the exterior walls are like sponge and the floor is soft.

'The young people and user groups all deserve a better space in order to thrive. We are looking to raise £50,000 to have a shared building with Devon Youth Service and Young Devon. We are also in need of staff wages and funds to contribute to the various activities and trips that we offer young people.

'We are asking that parents, friends, councillors and members of the wider community come forward to help us raise funds.

'Our annual general meeting is on December 7, at 7pm at the youth café, and this would be a great opportunity to get involved with us, whether it's to become a board member who is good at fundraising —we have a vacancy for a treasurer — or a volunteer who can offer different support.'

Taistock Youth Café Plus has received good news in the shape of a £5,000 grant from the Aiming High for Disabled Children charity which will provide new equipment and days out.

Allen Lewis, who has stepped down as secretary but will now take on the role of promoting the group, has also secured £5,000 for the Tavistock Specials Football Team.

He said: 'With this financial help we can expand the disability football squad to the deaf, blind and players in wheelchairs. This is a most exciting time.'

To find out more about Tavistock Youth Café, to donate or to get involved contact Vicki Lloyd on 01822 612851 or 07800813667 or email [email protected]">[email protected]