ONE of Okehampton's main facilities for youngsters will close down in 30 days if no one comes forward to take over the running of it.

Okehampton Youth Club, which occupies 25 youngsters from the ages of 6 to 13 years old, is looking for a new team of volunteers to take over.

Current manager Elaine Chastey, who has run the youth club for the last six years with her husband, Paul, daughter Vicky and friend, Jo Knight, feels it is time to hand over the duties to a new team.

She said the club is looking for people who have the right attitude for the job.

'We just desperately need someone to take it over — but it is vital we get the right people.

'We are looking for a team of people who have the time and patience to put into the club, who can improve its facilities and who are dedicated to the job.'

The club, which currently runs once a week every Wednesday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Okehampton College Community Centre, is looking for a youth leader, a secretary, a treasurer and a health and safety officer.

Mrs Chastey said she would be willing to coach and help whoever takes over.

'We will be on hand to help out and offer guidance to the new team, so they won't be alone.

'We wouldn't expect them to just take over with no knowledge of the running of it.

'The most important thing is that the youth club stays open. It offers so much to youngsters in Okehampton and it would be so sad to see it gone.'

Mrs Chastey said the club's activities, which include an art table for the creative, table tennis, puzzles and games, would all be given away if it closes.

'Everything would be given to a charity or organisation which involves children, but we really hope it doesn't come to that.

'I would urge anyone who is interested and who has the time to give to the youth club to come forward, because we really are running out of time.

'We would like to thank everybody who has supported and helped us over the years.

'We will miss the youth club, the youngsters and the great atmosphere of the place.'

Anyone who is interested in taking over the youth club can phone Elaine on 01837 52046.