A LAST-MINUTE rescue package has ensured a vital youth project will not close.

Caf 27, a flagship youth project, in Teme Street, Tenbury Wells, ran into problems recently when the project's initial funding came to an end.

With on-going running costs of about £40,000 a year the future of the caf - designed to give young people somewhere to meet and interact with one another - looked doubtful.

But the Caf 27 management committee, along with Malvern Hills District Council's (MHDC) community and economic development team and Worcestershire County Council (WCC) Youth Services, worked together to secure the funding that will keep the venue's doors open.

Community money has been identified to match the fund-raising and income generated by the management committee, and the WCC Youth Services team has committed staff resources to keep the project open.

The rescue package has evolved after discussions with a number of interested parties and potential funders.

Simon Smith, economic development manager at MHDC said the council was delighted to have been able to assist in keeping Caf 27 open and supporting the valuable service it provided to the young people of the area.

Louisa Colborn, secretary to the management committee, said everyone had worked hard to secure the future of the project.

"The management committee has agreed a number of fund-raising ideas and will be looking to the local community to support the caf in the future," she said.

For information phone Simon Smith on 01684 862199 or e-mail simon.smith@malvernhills.gov.uk