A YOUTH club which has been running for more than three decades has been saved after councillors stepped into help with funding.

Volunteers from the Rowhedge Youth Club had been struggling to pay the rent for sessions in the village hall in Rectory Road.

But Colchester councillors who represent the area have used money from the locality budget to help keep the service running for youngsters in the area.

Adam Fox (Lab) said he would also volunteer his professional skills to ensure the club continues into the future.

He said: "As soon as we heard that the youth club would have to close due to a lack of funds we were more than happy to step in and use our locality budget to keep the youth club running.

"I'm also happy to sit down with youth services, using my experience as a fundraiser, to make sure this doesn't happen again".

Colleague Mike Lilley added: "We are more than happy to donate more of our locality budget next year if the youth club need it.

"The youth club is really popular and we need more investment in schemes like this around Colchester".

Fellow councillor Lee Scordis (Lab) has pledged close to £200 from his budget, while Mr Fox will supply more than £1,000 to help the club in the next financial year.

Sadly, Emma Holliday, who has run the youth club for several years is stepping down from the role.

She said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed running the youth club for the last 6 years on behalf of the young people of Rowhedge.

"I am stepping down to pursue other things but the club has been running for 35 years and its great to see the councillors stepping in to help it continue.

"Hopefully it will continue for many more years to come.

"Thank you to all the volunteers who have worked with me throughout the years and to Essex Youth Service."

Mr Scordis added: "Emma has done a fantastic job running the youth club and is incredibly popular with the kids.

"She'll be a real loss for the community but she can be proud of the legacy she has left behind".

East Donyland Parish Council chairman Phil George said "On behalf of the community I would like to thank Emma for all the hard work she has put in over the years, providing younger people with a great club.

"I would also like to thank our borough councillors for their continued support of the club and we welcome volunteers from the community to continue the great work that Emma has done."

The club runs every Wednesday at the village hall from 7pm until 9pm.

If you would like to volunteer please contact jo.kirk@essex.gov.uk at Essex Youth Services.