A youth drop-in centre instigated by young people in Sutton two years ago is finally in place.

The launch of the youth pod took place last Thursday with officials from the Safer Craven Community Partnership, the police, councillors and some of the young people who will use it all present. Also in attendance was local landowner Leonard Thompson, who donated the site in Holme Lane where the pod is erected, and building firm Woolers, which prepared the ground free of charge.

Three of the original young people who started the ball rolling through meetings with Sutton Parish Council were also present.

Jenni Lorimer, Danielle Dickinson and James Jennings said that although they were probably not likely to use the centre themselves because they were too old, they were pleased it was now in place.

The centre is the end result of a project co-ordinated by the partnership which sought a solution to finding something for young people in the village to do. What came out of this exercise was that firstly the young people wanted somewhere to meet their friends.

It was also noted that there were few facilities for the young people in Sutton, particularly after dark, when Sutton Park and all its amenities were closed to the public.

Alan Atkins, partnership co-ordinator, said: "This project has been a long time coming and has met many barriers. However, with the help of the youth services, Sutton Parish Council, the community, the Thompson family and Woolers, we have achieved our aim."

In tackling the need of the young people in the village, the problem-solving group started to locate a piece of land for a portable cabin.

Mr Thompson donated an area near to the park, local food outlets and not far from where the young people live.

His son, Richard Thomspon, said: "Having worked within the youth offending team, I fully understand the frustrations of young people living within a small village such as Sutton. When we heard of this project, my family was pleased to offer a small plot of land for the youth centre."

After planning permission was granted, a steel portable cabin was obtained by the Safer Craven Community Partnership using money from the Safer and Stronger Communities Fund.

Dave Winspear, chairman of the partnership, added: "One of the recognised successful methods of reducing anti-social behaviour throughout the country is ensuring that young people have the facilities that they want and in this case it was a place to meet their friends."

Also supporting the scheme was North Yorkshire County Council's youth service 4Youth, which will provide youth workers to supervise the day-to-day events.

Carl Lis, leader of Craven District Council, said he was delighted the drop-in centre was now open.

"Local members were involved in the project right from the beginning.

"The centre demonstrates just what can be achieved through effective partnership working and I would like to congratulate all those involved in delivering this facility."

On behalf of the police in Craven, Insp Jonathan Pickles added: "This project was initiated by the young people in Sutton and it is a credit to their drive and enthusiasm that this facility has been created. It is fully supported by the police through the partnership."

The centre will be supervised by staff and is expected to be open from 7-9pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.