Askam's only youth club has secured its short term future thanks to a cheque for £1,000 handed over by the Evening Mail.

Askam Youth Action meet every Thursday during term time, but a lack of funds meant continuing was a challenge.

"We are struggling at the minute," said  Nicola Atkinson, organiser of the club.

"We're always looking for new donations and funding. We've had help from the Hadfield Trust and Sir John Fisher Foundation, but this should really help too.

"This cheque should mean we can keep going for another six months at least. It'll mostly be for rent and new equipment."

Around 60 children use the club, their ages ranging from 5 to 13, and enjoy facilities like table tennis, snooker tables and the ability to take part in various arts and crafts.

Mrs Atkinson explained that  the club was  important for the young people in Askam and Ireleth and said: "There's no other youth club in the area, and the transport links are horrendous. You can't really get out unless you drive.

"For the kids, Askam and Ireleth schools both work together, but this is really the only other time they get good social interaction between them."

As well as offering a space to play and create, the club also works with the local emergency services.

"We've had the local police around with the dogs to show them what they're like and what they do. 

"We've worked with the inshore rescue too, showing the kids around the boat and trying to raise awareness of safety on the estuary."

Askam Youth Action has three members of staff and one volunteer at the moment, but Mrs Atkinson says they'll always welcome more to help out. She said:  "We sometimes have some of the older kids volunteering with us as part of their Prince's Trust programme, but we always need more."

The money for the cheque came from the Lake District Farmers Armstrong Family Charitable Fund, started in memory of a popular local businessman. 

The money was raised at an annual celebrity chef event held in Dalton, hosted and sponsored by Clarence House Country Hotel and Restaurant.

Other local charities and organisations can apply for a £1,000 donation at www.nwemail.co.uk/LDF