CORFE-based Blackdown Youth Club has been awarded Somerset County Council's Safe and Welcoming award.

The accolade recognises the four-year-old club's safe practice and appeal to young people.

The club, which has received £570 county funding until next March, offers a range of activities and explores topics such as healthy eating and social media safety.

Emma King, chairman of Blackdown Youth Club management committee, said: "We are so proud to have renewed our Safe and Welcoming benchmark award - it was a challenge but it is worth it with the support and funding that the club receives from the council.

"Ensuring the local hall had all the necessary checks in place was tricky but now it’s completed it shows a commitment from the hall to providing a safe and reliable premises for the Blackdown Youth Club to continue into the future."

Cllr Frances Nicholson, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for children and families, said: "It is reassuring for parents and carers to know that their local youth club is safe, sustainable and young people friendly.

"Once a youth club has gained this award, it becomes instantly recognisable to young people and their families as a great resource for their community."