YOUNGSTERS in Warndon are flocking to a youth centre to brush up on their sports skills, dance and music.

Warndon Youth Centre manager Jeremy Tinsley said Worcester people's perception that young people were trouble-makers who did not want to be involved in the community was unfounded.

"On average we have between 30 and 50 young people here every night we're open," said Mr Tansley.

"People have this out-of-date image of a youth centre being a pool table and ping-pong," said Mr Tansley.

On Monday and Friday nights, a scheme run by new youth work committee Warndon 360 operates at the centre.

Called Boredom Breakers, Worcester Action for Youth workers run sessions from 7pm to 9pm, including football, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics as well as arts and crafts, games consoles, internet access, and coffee bar.

The Friday night session has added activities including workshops in DJ-ing, African drumming and rapping, run by local groups such as Drumlove.

On Saturday nights, Worcester Action for Youth offers activities including Dance Fight - a keep fit programme of martial arts moves put to music.

Recreation

"We have the recreation, but it's not all just about that," said Mr Tansley.

Mr Tansley said the centre was also running a scheme for young people to have their say on matters affecting them.

On Thursday nights, the Senior Club Project includes projects like Warndon Young People's Committee, a panel of club members who decide how the funds are spent. The Warndon Youth Forum - a body of youngsters who have their say on the community - also meets at the centre.

"If the young people are involved it will give them a sense of ownership," said Mr Tansley.

"So, if they do see someone vandalising it they might have the confidence to go up to them and say 'hey we worked really hard on this'."

One of Mr Tansley's aims is to change attitudes towards young people.

"Young people have had a lot of bad press," he said.

"One project we are planning is to help the elderly in the community."

Plans for the future include a week of summer trips organised by Warndon 360, a joint project involving youth centres in Ronkswood, Dines Green, Tolladine, and Brickfields.

"This will help break down some of the territorial barriers," Mr Tansley said.