A NEW café which aims to encourage young people to socialise has announced its opening date.

A youth café at Leyburn Arts and Community Centre will open to 11-16-year-olds who wish to meet friends, relax, or want somewhere different to study at 6pm on Monday, January 8.

The initiative is part of the Leyburn Arts and Community Centre Youth Project, and will offer advice to young people on volunteering, fundraising and campaigning.

The centre will work with St Matthews Church Community Project to run the café with the help of young people.

Rachael Alderson, youth project officer at the centre, said: "We can't wait to get the youth café open for the young people of Leyburn and the surrounding area.

“We hope they will enjoy having the extra place to go to relax or meet friends and hopefully help us shape the café to make it a success.”

In February, the centre will launch a film club and an art exhibition after funding from Richmondshire Area Partnership Fund.