SOUTHAMPTON MP Alan Whitehead helped give a city youth club a much needed splash of colour over the week-end.

He spent about 90 minutes with volunteers transforming St Jude's Hall in Warren Avenue, Shirley Warren, which is the home to the Coxford and District Youth Project.

"It's something I really enjoy," he said of his painting and decorating skills. "But floor laying is what I particularly like.

"This project does some great work with young people in the community but those who use it, deserve a nicer environment. I'm delighted to be offering my skills for what is fun and hopefully is not too messy.''

The project runs Saturday morning and after school clubs as well as a variety of site activities during the year.

Funding for the paint and materials came from The Outer Shirley Regeneration Board, which awarded a grant of about £4,000 to the project for the decorating.