ENTHUSIASTIC youngsters are putting their heads together to drum up ideas for future fun and games at their popular club.

The newly-formed Hanley Youth Club has been a resounding success since it started before Christmas, with groups of up to 40 youngsters regularly attending.

So far, the children have been involved in a variety of events, including tabletop games such as pool and table tennis, listening to music and enjoying refreshments.

The club - which meets in Hanley Swan village hall every Tuesday between 6.30pm and 8.30pm - is now set to celebrate Shrove Tuesday tonight by tucking into tasty treats and holding races.

And now the club committee is exploring using the sports centre at Tunnel Hill, Upton-upon-Severn for games and the village playing fields during summer for outdoor activities.

One of its next events will be a workshop and drumming demonstration from musician Chris Dowton on Tuesday, February 22.

"It's been going really well and there's a notice board where the children have put lots of ideas on what they want to do in the future" said Pam Buckle, whose two children Samantha and Joseph attend.

"The youngsters have been really enthusiastic, although there are not so many older ones coming along at the moment. So we need them to join too."

The youth club was set up with Sue Adeney, Malvern Hills District Councillor for Upton and Hanley, after the results of a parish plan published in 2003 identified a lack of youth facilities in the area.

A previous group stopped some years ago due to a lack of volunteers.

Mrs Buckle said youngsters were also trying to think of a name for the group as well as further fund-raising events.

Children pay a £5 annual membership and 50p each week to attend, with a £1 charge for guests.

Anyone who lives in the parish or goes to school at Hanley High School or St Gabriel's Primary, Hanley Swan, and is aged 10 or over, is welcome to attend.

For more information, telephone Sue Adeney 01905 310440.