A YOUTH service which turns the lives of children around is celebrating a huge funding boost.

The Drop Zone Youth Project based in Cornwallis Street, Barrow, works with youngsters, many of whom do not go to mainstream school, to offer them opportunities to learn and develop new skills.

Cumbria Community Foundation has granted the project a £10,000 donation, which will go towards setting up educational activities and trips.

Drop Zone is aimed at young people aged 11 to 21 and offers opportunities for an alternative curriculum, group sessions such as the popular 'manga art group', and drop-in services, including sexual health advice.

It provides a vital link for teenagers to prepare themselves for employment, make new friends and find a place they feel safe and comfortable.

Mrs Pauline Charnley, Barrow Community Trust committee member, said Drop Zone's ambitious plans to raise standards warranted the significant investment.

She said: "They are hoping to do extra education with pupils who may been excluded from school and that sort of thing so they can learn maths and English. They are going to put on an educational day.

"They do fantastic work in the community."

Four objectives of Drop Zone

- Provide young people with a place that they feel safe and comfortable.

- Provide young people with a friendly and informal environment in which to learn and gain new skills.

- Motivate young people to realise their full potential.

- Provide young people with information and support on issues that affect their daily lives, so they can make informed decisions about lifestyle choices.