YOUNGSTERS wrote, recorded, designed, and marketed a charity CD in a day in a bid to raise £3,000 for their under-threat youth centre.

The 30 teenagers from youth centre Sweatbox in Wantage teamed up with music recording firm Musikscool to make the six-track Just Play It pop-rock album on Friday.

They will make at least 500 copies to sell in Wantage shops.

The youth centre, at King Alfred’s School’s east site in Springfield Road, could lose all Oxfordshire County Council funding, along with 20 other clubs.

The centre is now working with the school to come up with a business plan to save the centre.

King Alfred’s sixth former Katie Bond, 17, who sings Don’t Take it Away on the CD, said: “It is really important to raise some funds for this establishment so it can carry on.

“All the kids in Wantage have been here on a Friday night.

“It is somewhere you come to relax, where you come to get away from home, family and school.”

Musikscool donated its recording services for free for the day of recording.

All songs call for the council cash to be kept.

Tori Allnutt, 17, who sings and plays guitar, said: “Being young in this generation, is a rough time.

“They are increasing university fees and they are cutting our youth centres and we do not have the vote.”

Michael Brown, co-founder of Musikscool, said: “They are building their own lifeline.

“This is them getting on their bikes and doing something about it.

“I think it is a real achievement for a bunch of teenagers.”

The youth club has been in the town for about 45 years.

Co-organiser Stuart Roper, 56, of Newbury Street, Wantage, said: “Sweatbox is an important resource for the community.

“I remember my son coming here and getting a lot out of it.”

Wantage and Didcot MP Ed Vaizey said: “Sweatbox is a vital resource for young people in Wantage and Grove.

“It is truly fantastic, well run and innovative and we must do all we can to keep it.”

The Music Gallery in Newbury Street has already agreed to sell the CDs.