RUBERY Leisure Centre has outlined how it will spend the £5,000 it received from the Gannett Foundation.

The Holywell Lane centre got the money in June thanks to the Gannett Foundation, a charitable arm of Gannett Co Inc, owner of the Newsquest Media group, of which the Advertiser/Messenger is part.

The foundation aims to provide funding to support local organisations.

Youths in Rubery, between the ages of 15 and 19, are set to benefit after the centre applied for the funding to supply extra activities specifically for them.

Only a little of the £5,000 received has been spent so far on additional classes.

Now, with the help of new community development officer Julia Partridge, organisers have set their sights on the future for both the centre and other groups in the area.

John Ordish, the centre's manager and treasurer, said: "Since getting the money we have been looking at the best and most productive ways of spending it. We want as many people as possible to benefit from it. We like to think the money is for Rubery and is just directed through us."

There are plans to introduce new art classes at the centre and to provide football and tennis coaching with professional coaches. Providing extra space at the centre is also being considered.

"We have been asking youngsters what they want, it is down to them. The leisure centre welcomes any suggestions from youths and other groups in Rubery," said John.

Julia added: "We want to help the people of Rubery, especially youths. We want to give them things to do and to stop them walking the streets."