A RESCUE package is under way to keep the doors to Caf 27, Tenbury's flagship youth project, open.

With costs running at around £40,000 per annum, and initial funding ending in March, serious financial difficulties had to be tackled and urgent action taken.

The Caf's management committee has linked with Malvern Hills District Council's community and economic development team and Worcestershire County Council Youth Services to find ways of attracting funding that will keep the Teme Street venue's doors open.

The rescue package was mounted after detailed discussion with a number of interested parties and potential funders who confirmed this week that community safety money is available.

This has to be match-funded by the Caf 27 team and, backed by a commitment from the WCC Youth Services to help with staffing, the project can continue.

Secretary to the management committee Louisa Colborn said: "Everyone has worked very hard to secure the future of the project. The management committee has agreed a number of fundraising ideas and we will be looking to the local community to help support Caf 27."

Simon Smith, economic development manager at Malvern Hills District Council, said: "We are delighted to have been able to assist in keeping Caf 27 open and supporting the valuable service it provides to the young people of the area.

"We will continue to work with them and their funding partners and agencies to develop the provision further."