YOUNGSTERS are celebrating after an emergency meeting between council officials and Huncoat youth workers saved their club.

Lancashire County Council, which paid rent to Huncoat Methodist church hall in Marshall Avenue, for the club, took away its support three weeks ago after an inspector revealed it did not comply with health and safety regulations.

But arrangements have now been made for the Thursday night sessions for 90 children to be held at Huncoat Primary School -- where the club first began 50 years ago.

Colin Feeley, chairman of the management committee, said: "The children were left devastated, by the closure of the youth club so they will be delighted with this news.

"It is fabulous because it means that the children will be back off the streets. But this is a minor victory and we hope to make further progress to get back into the church hall."

Mr Feeley added that this matter is now being looked into by Lancashire County Council, with a view to applying for grants to complete work on the church hall building and bring it into line with health and safety regulations.

Until then, sessions for the club will be held at the Lynwood Road school after headteacher David Price consulted with school governors and agreed to the temporary arrangement so that the youth club could continue.

County Councillor Doreen Pollitt said: "In the short term, Huncoat Primary School has kindly agreed to host youth club sessions to ensure nobody misses out.

"The long term aim is for Huncoat to have its own purpose-built youth club. I am certain local people would welcome this initiative and I look forward to working with the community and the Huncoat Forum to draw up a bid for lottery funding."

With a view to this Mr Feeley has also consulted with representatives of other Huncoat organisations, including the forum and residents association, in order to set up a committee towards getting a purpose-built building.