residents young and old are getting together in Horrbridge to build a 16ft shelter for the village's young people.

The idea to establish the wooden shelter came after a collaboration between police, councillors, local youth and youth workers.

A large group of youngsters had appealed to the council for a place where they could congregate when the youth club was closed.

The police also wanted to address the long-term problem of anti-social behaviour, while the parish council felt it needed to provide something to help tackle youngsters' boredom in the village.

A meeting held in September at Horrabridge Primary School saw around 38 youngsters aged 10 to 18, and representatives from the police, school and the playgroup, Horrabridge Parish Council and Devon County Council.

Suggestions put forward included a youth shelter and a skate park.

It was agreed to go ahead with the shelter — for which a grant of £5,000 had been presented by the Crime Disorder and Reduction Partnership.

The youngsters have been encouraged to take part in the building of the shelter.

Police Community Support Officer Rob Walsh said: 'One of the most important things is that the youths will be involved in the construction of the shelter — that way they will take more pride in it.

'I started in Horrabridge around two years ago and quickly realised there was a problem with youths hanging around in large groups which was perceived to be anti-social.

'In the past year we have built a good relationship with the youths, resulting with them being able to share what they think is needed for them in the village.'

Youth shelters which have been established in other towns and villages have been researched by Rob: 'We found that the way to make it successful was to put it in a central location. We hope the shelter will be constructed in weir quay near to the park — the best spot in the village for it.

'An exciting aspect of the shelter is the fact that we will be having a solar panelled radio and light, which we will have a remote for.'

Don Yendle, chairman of Horrabridge Parish Council, said the construction of the shelter was planned for April.

He said: 'The shelter was something instigated as we all realised we needed to provide something for the youth of Horrabridge. It will hopefully provide what they are looking for.'

After seeing a plan of the shelter, young people from the youth club thought it looked good and were even surprised with how large it was going to be.

Horrabridge youngster Polly Fitzsimmons, a student at Tavistock College, said: 'When they told us they will be setting up a shelter for the youth we all thought "ideal".

'We have no place to go, especially in the winter. The youth shelter is for everyone. We are pleased we got what we wanted — our voice was heard.'