THREE hard-working volunteers have stuck to their New Year resolutions by staffing a new "pop-in" centre at a York Youth & Community Centre.

Audrey Dalby, Chris Mckenna and Angela Shipley, all of Haxby, made their resolution after requests for help from Haxby & Wigginton Youth & Community Association.

Angela said: "We have had our first day, it was more like an open day, but it went really well. We had about 35 people in which was a lot more than we were expecting.

"I really enjoyed it. Hopefully the centre will go on to be a real success."

Angela said she and the other pop-in centre volunteers want to hear ideas from local residents about the activities and facilities that should be on offer there.

She said: "People can come on their own, or bring friends. It is up to them.

"We do refreshments, there is a pool table, we will be setting up bowls and darts, or people can just have a chat if they want.

"It is up to the users to tell us what they think. Some ladies have said they would like a bingo session, so we are looking at that."

Community development worker Ruth Batty said: "Our main problems were lack of a suitable venue and people to run the sessions, so we were delighted when Audrey, Angela and Chris came forward."

Ruth said: "You don't have to have a degree in accounting to offer help to your local community group. Budgeting for a household and being able to chat to people are just as relevant skills."

The centre is now open, in Haxby & Wigginton Youth & Community Centre, every Tuesday between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

For more information about the drop-in centre, or to find out about becoming a local volunteer, phone Ruth on 01904 769176 or email comdev@hwyca.org.uk

Updated: 09:38 Friday, January 24, 2003