THEY'RE simply the best. Youngsters from Thornhill are celebrating after their youth club was named the best in Southampton, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Thornhill Youth Centre in Bitterne Road East saw off competition from more than 100 other youth clubs in the county to claim the prize.

Judges from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Youth Options - who awarded the Gorgensen Perpetual Challenge Trophy - decided the club deserved the accolade for their far-reaching community work.

The charity had received extensive help from group members at a number of county-wide sporting events such as orienteering and football. The judges were impressed with the good behaviour of the Thornhill youngsters.

Senior youth worker Chris Dixon said: "It's fantastic to win this award and it shows the level of commitment the young people of Thornhill have put towards their club and county organisation.

"A very big thank-you must go to everyone who has been involved in supporting the centre."

More than 4,000 children have visited the club in the past year. Centre leaders are also celebrating a grant that will mean they can open a new after-school club.

The club will run from January between 3 and 6pm every weekday. The club has been made possible by a £62,970 grant from the New Opportunities Fund - a distributor of lottery money.

Thirty after-school places have been opened up with an additional 24 to be started next September pending success of the first wave.

Research in the Bitterne, Sholing and Thornhill, areas targeted by the new initiative, showed 260 parents would like to take part.

The places will be offered to children of various ages at six Southampton schools: Bitterne Church of England junior and infant, Kanes Hill Primary School in Thornhill, Thornhill Primary School and Sholing infant and junior Schools.

Co-ordinator Diane Bell has been working on the project since her employment by the Thornhill Youth Centre a year ago. She said: "I'm absolutely delighted we have the grant."

George Davidson, head of Southampton City Council youth service, said: "We are delighted to hear that the youth club has received this award. They provide a vital service to the children in Thornhill. Southampton City

"Clubs like these provide a valuable contribution to the community and we look forward to celebrating with them."

Thornhill Youth Centre is holding it annual meeting tonight from 7.30pm.