AROUND 150 jobs will be lost in youth services after Hampshire County Council approved controversial cuts this morning.

Cllr Roy Perry, executive member for children's services, approved the £4m cuts to youth services as part of the council's efforts to save £55m.

Cllr Perry, deputy leader of the council, said: "I did not approach this with any relish but with a feeling of responsibility that we have to live as a council within our means."

Youth workers and Connexions advisors are among those to be axed, but the council is commissioning the voluntary sector to run some youth services and is encouraging the sector to pick up some of the lost jobs.