YOUNG people in two Ryedale towns are set to get a place to themselves when a new "dry pub" opens up.

Under 18s in Malton and Norton will have somewhere to call their own when the facility, which is a unique project between licensees and the police, starts next month.

Landlady Pam Langley, at The George Hotel, in Yorkersgate, Malton, has worked with youth action officer PC Stewart Ashton to provide the facility.

A room at the back of the pub, complete with pool table, table football and video jukebox, will open every Wednesday evening especially for younger people.

Because the room is self-contained, with its own bar, younger people will be able to hang out without having to go through the adult bars.

Pam, who is currently training as a youth worker, said she was pleased to be able to come in on the project.

"I work with young people with the YMCA and Brooklyn Youth Club, in Norton, so I was happy to go along with the idea," she said.

"It's a pilot scheme so we will see how it goes - we are hoping for the best."

The bar would serve a range of soft drinks, crisps and sweets, and depending on demand, meals might also be available, Pam said.

"It was just a room which was ideal as far as Stewart was concerned," she said.

Hopes are high for the innovative project to become as successful as the recently opened Ryedale skatepark.

Stewart said: "With the evenings drawing in and the weather turning cold, young people need somewhere warm and safe where they can relax."

The dry pub will run every Wednesday, from 6pm to 9pm, from November 6, as a pilot scheme, with plans to open up more frequently if it is a success.

Updated: 11:02 Saturday, October 19, 2002