A YOUTH club aimed at relieving boredom in a growing Hampshire community has opened its doors to youngsters.

About 22 teenagers attended the first meeting of the Whiteley Youth Club, which opened after complaints that children have nowhere to go.

The youth caf at the Whiteley Community Centre in Yew Tree Drive offers video games, badminton and table tennis in a relaxed setting.

Bean bags dot the floor and there are lava lamps to add to the atmosphere.

The Rev Barry Dugmore, of Whiteley parish church, is one of the club's founders.

He said: "There was a real buzz about the night and we were glad to see the amount of support we got from the children.

"We sat down with them and got to know them and shared ideas and got some really positive feedback.

"We hope in time they will bring their friends along and we'll see the club expand and possibly use it as a showcase for young talent."

Whiteley has been expanding rapidly since the 1980s and now has about 2,500 homes.

But there has been little provision for youngsters and for a long time there has been a need for new facilities.

Mother of two Niky Tyler, 39, said it was great to be able to send her children somewhere safe for a few hours a week.

Michael Davidson, 18, a staff member at the caf, added: "It's important to have some facilities for young people in Whiteley because when you walk around at the moment you realise there is nothing here for us.

"I want to see young people getting together and enjoying themselves and spreading it to others."

Whiteley Youth Club meets every Monday from 8pm until 10pm but will not meet on May 2 because of the Bank Holiday.

It will initially focus on youngsters aged between 13 and 17.

For more information call the Rev Dugmore on 01489 881500.