VIDEO: Teens’ open day at Horsham Youth Centre

The team of 16-17 year olds came together after individually joining a nationwide volunteering project, National Citizen Service, and choosing to help the youth centre for it.

Bromnen Beale, 16, of Broadbridge Heath, said: “We all just wanted to get the experience and new skills to give back to the community.”

She added: “It’s a place to go and have fun instead of being out and have nothing to do.”

The group hope to raise enough money to buy decorative outdoor plant boxes, a working sound system, new sofa, and fix broken games equipment.

Dan Sneller, 28, of Haywards Heath, a youth worker for the county youth service who has guided the team through the project, said there will be pool and snooker tables, console games, music, and other games on the day, and snack and refreshments will be provided as well.

He said: “It’s quite amazing that a group of young people have such passion and want to see the centre improve.”

James Newell, 16, of Horsham, said: “We phoned businesses for donations towards a raffle - more donations would be welcome.”

James also expressed fears that the centre may be on a path to closure due to falling numbers of people using it.

He said: “If they come to the open day it will show them what Horsham Youth Centre has and give it a better chance of staying.”

A spokesperson for West Sussex County Council said: “I can confirm that there are no plans to close Horsham Youth Centre.”

The event will take place from 12-4 pm Friday (Aug 3).