A YOUTH club will celebrate its 40th birthday by building a �50,000 recording studio. Meridian Youth Club, based at the Meridian School, Royston, reaches the milestone later this year. It has received a grant from the Youth Opportunity Fund to pay for the

A YOUTH club will celebrate its 40th birthday by building a �50,000 recording studio.

Meridian Youth Club, based at the Meridian School, Royston, reaches the milestone later this year. It has received a grant from the Youth Opportunity Fund to pay for the work.

North Herts District Council youth worker Sam Clifford said: "There is a real music culture within the club, so this is something that the members wanted.

"There is a practice room at the moment, but it's been around for years, and is getting a bit decrepit, so it will be great to have the new facilities, and it's coincided nicely with the club's birthday."

Part of the conditions for getting money from the Youth Opportunity Fund was that the members of the club themselves had to put together the application.

A new kitchen is also being planned for the club, and it is hoped that both facilities will be up and running by the end of March.

Later in the year the club hopes to hold a 40th birthday party, and Mr Clifford says they would like to see as many former members of the club and ex-staff returning as possible.

The date for the party has yet to be confirmed, but it is likely to be held in May or June.

Anyone wishing to be involved should contact Mr Clifford on 01438 844163, or by emailing Samuel.Clifford@hertscc.gov.uk.

Meanwhile, another Royston youth club has found its feet and won a thumbs-up from the youngsters using it who are helping to put the programme together.

The Burns Road Hangout in Royston, run by North Herts District Council, is working with youngsters to give them the activities they want.

Those already provided include a football match with a Hitchin youth club, and a bungee run.

A trip to Bassingbourn Ski Centre is planned before half-term, with more of the young people's ideas being considered for the following term.

The club is open to youngsters from eight-13 who live in the Burns Road area.

They are very welcome to come along to the Coombes Community Centre on Tuesday nights.

For more details contact Rachel on 01462 474257.