A DREAM to convert the old primary school at Throwleigh into a residential centre for young people is finally coming true after six years.

Building work to provide accommodation for 24 people is expected to be completed by September 1 and Duke of Edinburgh Award groups, schools and colleges across the UK are already expressing an interest.

The prime aim of the centre is for youngsters to learn more about Dartmoor and the geographical area.

Company secretary David Baker, a former county award officer for the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, said the Throwleigh Centre for Young People was ideally situated to explore both the High Moor and the Teign Valley.

He said it was an exciting time but, at one stage, there were doubts over whether it would ever happen.

'We have been working with Okehampton College for six years to try and get this project going — fundraising was the problem,' he said.

'We got into the final bids for millennium money but we could not find the match funding.'

Finally, after some expert advice from Devon County Council and the management committee becoming a registered charity, it hit lucky with lottery funding.

With £120,000 of the £180,000 project found thanks to a grant from the National Lotteries Charities Board, it was all systems go.

Other grant money has also been forthcoming and work has begun to bring the existing building up to standard, build a new accommodation block and install shower and toilet facilities.

Mr Baker said the initiative for the centre came from the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. From there an association was started with Okehampton College which had used the old school since it was closed as a base for activities for young people.

Leaflets and brochures are being produced to advertise the facilities — the centre will be available predominantly for youth groups in Devon and the local area but groups across the UK, especially those doing Duke of Edinburgh awards and school groups, will also have access to the site.

If the centre is not booked for residential purposes, it will be available for hire for day or evening use.

The Throwleigh Centre for Young People has been granted a long-term lease by owners of the building, Devon County Council.

It is managed by a board of trustees made up of representatives from the local area, the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, Okehampton College, Devon County Council and Dartmoor National Park.