ALTHOUGH the grip of winter still holds firm, the green eyes at Okehampton's youth centre are already turning towards the summer. Room 13, Okehampton's youth centre on St James Street, recently had their garden completely renovated by the Tavistock Taskforce volunteers. After an application put forward by one of Room 13's senior volunteers, the centre was successful in securing a grant to develop the small amount of land behind the building. The centre's aim was to improve the quality of the land and to use it as an extended floor space where young people could play. It will also be a project that the young people who use the centre will be able to develop themselves. The land is now fit for use but needs further development. The centre would like garden furniture, outdoor equipment and possibly even a feature to complete the garden. Lacking the money to do this, the group contacted developers Charles Gray Ltd to ask if they would consider donating any funds to the continued improvement of the garden as their development overlooks it. Members of the youth centre were overjoyed to receive a cheque for £500 from Charles Gray Ltd. Freiya Lawson, an A-level student at Okehampton College and youth volunteer at Room 13, said: 'We would like to say a big thank you to Charles Gray Ltd for their donation. 'Once the weather is warmer, the garden will be an extended floor space. It is more space we can use and there will be more room to do all kinds of stuff, like barbecues in the summer. 'I can't wait for it to be finished, it already looks amazing compared to what it was.' Room 13 is home to different youth organisations including Devon Youth Service, YISP, Ysmart and Directions. There are weekly groups for girls, a youth cafe and a young parents support group. Room 13 is dedicated to the young people of Okehampton and the surrounding villages.
