A Winchester charity is closing in on its search for a city centre venue for young people.

The YMCA hopes the centre could help counter the lure of drugs and binge drinking for older teenagers aged between 15-18.

It is looking for a building that it can convert into a centre potentially offering space to play music, practice dance, drama and art and access the Internet.

The YMCA hopes that with the help of the city council it could find a suitable building within months.

Rev Graham Topping, the chairman of the Winchester YMCA said: "We want somewhere fairly central. There are already youth centres on the estates."

Mr Topping said research commissioned from Southampton University revealed there was a demand for such a facility within Winchester.

"This isn't something we have dreamed up. This is a definite response to need as expressed to our youth workers Andy Hider and Pete Larkum."

The charity has some funds still available from the sale in the 1990s of its former base off Dean Lane,Weeke.

Some of the proceeds have already been committed to the YMCA's base in Swan Lane, secured in 2002, and paying for its existing work among the young.

Mike Simpson, chief executive, said activities at the centre would be innovative.

As many young people as possible would be involved in its development.

He said: "You have to keep it fresh. The novelty value wears off quickly. It has to be constantly evolving.

"If you are not providing alcohol for 15 to 18-year-olds, there has to be another draw and music is a big draw. People will go and watch a band even if there isn't alcohol. We know this."

Other age groups would be catered for at different times of day with an after-school club for younger children.