YOUNGSTERS in West Devon are busy organising events in a bid to raise money for the re-build of a popular Youth Café.

Members and staff of Tavistock Youth Café are hoping to raise £30,000 to match funding from Devon Youth Service for a new building on its existing site in Pixon Lane.

The first event will see the youth café transformed into a portrait photography studio on Saturday February 26, where visitors will be able to have a professional portfolio taken of themselves, family or even pets.

Lyndon Harvey from WestDex and a board member of the youth café will be giving his time to take photographs.

People will be able to view the pictures on the computer with no obligation to buy, but if they like what they see it will be £25 for a disc.

The youth café will be selling tea, coffee, raffle tickets and cakes throughout the day. To book a 20-minute sitting contact Vicki Lloyd on 01822 612851 or 0780081366.

For the second event, people are being invited to the Wharf to be entertained by two bands — Matt Dingle and Tim Miller doing Gypsy Jazz and The Cuckoo Collective playing funk and northern soul.

The gig will be on March 4 at 8pm. Tickets will cost £5 and are available from the Wharf Box Office or Tavistock Youth Café.

Vicki Lloyd, of the youth café, said a new building would enable the delivery of better services to the young people of Tavistock and the surrounding area: 'Our building is in a very poor state and the new building is crucial for the youth café to continue to provide the resources needed for young people and the community groups that use it.

'We have received donations from local businesses and kind residents who support young people in this area and we are also doing our own fundraising events.'

More information about what is going on in the area for young people will be showcased at a youth forum on March 1 at 5pm in Tavistock College main hall.

This is hosted by TaVi, and will be focusing on the needs of Tavistock Youth Café and the other voluntary youth provisions in the area. It will also be an informative afternoon with young people performing music and refreshments being sold.