A SOCIAL group for young people is looking forward to a bright future after being shut down for several months during the foot and mouth crisis.

Wythall Young Farmers Club (YFC) is thriving with 34 members aged between 10 and 26 from not only farming backgrounds but the town and city too.

Set up about 60 years ago, the club has faced difficult times but the foot and mouth crisis was the latest problem to hit.

The club, which is one of 13 in the county, meets every Wednesday at Alvechurch Football Club to take part in various social activities from ice-skating to bowling.

And every Friday the club meets up and goes to a party being held by another county club or the Wythall group themselves.

The club takes part in competitions, including hockey and rugby tournaments, but a lot of charity work is also undertaken by the members.

During December, the club raised more than £2,200 at a slave auction and about £150 carol singing in pubs around Henley, both went towards the Lymphoma Research Charity.

An exchange with another club in the country is currently being organised and a dinner dance is being planned for March.

Anyone wanting to find out more about YFC or is interested in joining can contact Jane on 07909 693339 or vice chairman Adam Lynch on 07989 416335.