TEENAGERS from Tiddybrook and Bishopsmead are trying to raise the roof, as well as the rest of the building, in their efforts to provide a new shelter for youngsters to use.

The Tiddybrook Teen Project is a new group that has been set up by the youngsters on the estate at Whitchurch, along with teenagers from Bishopmead, which is trying to raise more than £8,500 to build the communal facility.

The idea came from the youngsters following complaints from local residents unhappy with the noise in the park areas, in particular on the estate.

The community-minded youngsters have decided that they want to make their estates a nice place for everyone to live alongside each other so they set up the project, a dedicated committee, and are now having regular meetings.

The TTP want to have the shelter built away from the houses where they can meet — just like a similar structure built recently in Horrabridge.

Trish Curry, a spokeswoman for the Tiddybrook Teen Project, said: 'I am very proud of the youngsters, who are taking the initiative to work towards something that will benefit themselves and the wider community.'

They are being supported by West Devon Homes along with West Devon councillor Alison Clish-Green.

Cllr Clish-Green said: 'I'm delighted the young people on the Tiddybrook estate have taken the initiative and formed themselves into an action group to raise money for something they want. The challenge now is to find a suitable location for the shelter when they have raised it.

'In this day and age when people are so ready to criticise youngsters I think it's great these teenagers are being so pro-active and positive, and I hope the adults will give them the support they deserve to make their shelter happen.'

The TTP's 'first fundraiser' was at Hallowe'en, when they set up stalls and a gazebo near the park in Tiddybrook Meadows. It included cake and arts stalls, a Teddy tombola, apple bobbing and other fun activities such as a Hallowe'en costume competition.

The youngsters were supported on the day by Lee Whiting, the chairman of the Tiddybrook Residents' Association, Trish and fellow parent Denise Langsford. Their efforts raised almost £120 toward the shelter.

Trish added: 'A great deal of fun was had on the day. We would like to thank all those who helped with donations or prizes and equipment including TJ and LJs' fish and chips, Mainly Stationery, W H Smiths, Focus DIY, Rockin' Beads, A Scentsation, Odds and Sods, Treasured Forever, Market Garden, ABC Gifts/Services, Kaleidoscope, Tavistock Lions and Make a Difference at Trident Homes, as well as friends and residents from the estates.

'We hope many youngsters in the Bishopsmead and Tiddybrook area will join us and appeal to individuals and local businesses to help the TTP to build their shelter.'

For more information call Trish Curry on 01822 610173.

Tiddybrook Teen Project's next fundraiser will be at Whitchurch School on Saturday, December 4 at 2pm. There will be a visit from Santa, refreshments, arts and crafts as well as a tombola.