A YOUTH club which rose from the ashes has celebrated its first birthday.

Stanway Youth Club, which is rated outstanding by Essex County Council, marked the milestone last week.

The Winstree Road club which had been closed for at least two years, was resurrected last year by volunteers.

It was also given £500 from Colchester councillors Lesley Scott-Boutell and Jessica Scott-Boutell (both Lib Dem) to get off the ground.

Lesley Scott-Boutell said: "It has become a very well-attended club and we have some really wonderful volunteers working there with the youngsters.

"To be ranked outstanding by Essex County Council after just one year is an amazing achievement.

"People love coming to it, it's a safe place to be and there is a support network there for anyone who needs it."

The club, which is held every Thursday between 7pm and 9pm, regularly attracts about 40 youngsters aged between 13 and 25.