A NEW youth forum offers young people in Upton a platform for voicing their needs and opinions.

An information evening at the Memorial Hall on Monday (November 21) was a success, with the first official meeting taking place in the next fortnight.

Eighteen-year old Adriana Keast, who is behind the project, wants to improve life for the town's teenagers.

"I've lived in Upton all my life and through my teens I found there was nothing to do and nowhere to go," she said. "I think a lot of young people would benefit from having a formal structure to voice their opinions about the town."

Although the forum has the backing of police and councillors, it will be independent and self-sufficient, to ensure it retains its own voice.

Adriana's top priority is finding a somewhere to hold meetings. The group will use the Church Room at weekends while searching for a permanent home.

The forum will organise youth events, as well as supporting the skate park project and running next year's Picnic in the Park.

Anyone aged 11-19 is welcome and Adriana believes everyone has something to offer.

"For example, if you like sport you could organise sports afternoons, or if you like art you could organise an exhibition or class in the town," she said.