THE search is on for a youth leader for Kennington Youth Club.

The group, which meets in a purpose-built club behind Kennington Village Centre, has more than 100 members and has been in the village for about 70 years.

Current leader Alice Dore has stepped down due to other commitments, so the club committee is seeking someone – possibly two people – to take her place.

It comes at the same time as the club plans to set up a new after-school internet café.

Club chairman Roy King said: “We have always had voluntary helpers and the members of the committee are all CRB-checked and have other qualifications, but we need someone to act leader. Alice was with us for two years and felt she had taken the youth club as far as she could.”

The club held its last youth club last night for the summer, and is looking for someone to start from September 2.

Club secretary Pam Johnston said: “About two years ago we were looked after by the county council and they withdrew their funding. It was on the verge of closing down and it was through some parents getting together that we kept it going.”

It costs about £4,000 a year to keep the club up and running, which comes from £1 session fees from the young people, fundraising, and grants.

The club has just been awarded a £6,000 grant from Oxfordshire County Council’s positive activities fund, spent on four computers for the new internet café.

Mr King said: “We are looking for somebody who can operate a programme and genuinely enjoys young people.”

The person leading the new IT sessions could be the same as the general youth leader, or a different individual.

Mr King said: “We think the club is important. It gives a freedom for youngsters to meet other young people who are at an impressionable stage.”

Contact Mrs Johnston on 01865 730209, email pamelajohnston1@ntlworld.com or write to her at 102 Kennington Road, Kennington, OX1 5PE.

The deadline is Friday, July 26.