YOUNGSTERS in Long-parish flocked to a special event in the village hall on Saturday as part of a major consultation process to find out what villagers want.

Organiser Cheryl Dowler said it was all part of the Longparish Parish Plan, which is the village's opportunity to ensure that it conserves what is best and, where possible, changes the things that are not so good.

The plan will be based on the opinions of villagers and Saturday's event was one of a series to find out the views of various groups in the village.

Mrs Dowler said: "It was well attended with 21 young people coming along, which was just right.

"And they were very enthusiastic indeed."

Low-key discussions were held with them within a framework of activities provided by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Youth Options, which runs the Roving Activities Team. The team provided a range of indoor activities, including karaoke dance and a giant inflatable pillow fight machine.

"The aim is to gain the views of all sections of the community which will be incorporated into a questionnaire to all residents later in the year, seeking their responses as to how they would like to see aspects of village life being maintained or improved."

Aspects will include work, leisure, sport, and younger and older people's needs.