YOUNGSTERS in East Cornwall are celebrating after an 'exciting' cash boost has helped secure the future of a popular youth project.

The Callington and Saltash CATS (Community Action Through Sports) programme has been successful in accessing funding which will develop and secure the future of the Friday Night Project.

Michelle Roberts, secretary for Callington and Saltash CATS, said: 'This is an exciting project which is very much needed within the town of Callington.

'There is very little for young people to do within the town, particularly on a Friday night.

'This project will enable them to access different entertainment and events, and develop their skills through training courses and event management.'

The £36,000 funding has come from the East Cornwall Rural Action Group, and will enable the delivery of a new programme, 'CREDability', through the Friday Night Project.

The aim of 'CREDability' is to address the issue of a lack of provision by providing a safe and secure place for young people to go, particularly on a Friday night and at weekends.

The project will be delivered through two key strands. One is the youth café, which will run activities and link into the Friday Night Project.

The café will also run events for the young people of Callington and surrounding villages. This will be led by CATS, a multi-agency charity that aims to provide positive activities for young people, to improve their skills and their quality of life.

It is hoped the café will be run by young people for young people.

The second strand of the project is 'Street Cred' which will provide training for youngsters to develop new skills and qualifications.

These courses will include basic food hygiene, leadership awards, basic literacy and numeracy as well as others.

The youngsters will also be able to enjoy a range of outdoor and adventurous activities, utilising Kit Hill through a local training provider based at Delaware.?These will lead to qualifications in a variety of activities, including mountain biking and canoeing.

The first event will take place on Friday April 27 at Callington Town Hall. The project has teamed up with CAVE (Callington Arts Venues) to host Gonzo Moose in the production 'Out with the Aristocrat'.

Tickets are available from Callington Community College, Kivells and Callington Town Hall.