A YOUTH club which was revived by parents has been officially opened by two Southend United stars.

Parents of children in Leigh were upset when the town’s youth club closed last summer because of council cuts to funding.

The Friday night club was previously run for ten to 12-year-olds at the Connexions youth centre, in Elm Road, Leigh.

It closed in July, but parents valued it so much they put time and effort into bringing it back.

Sarah Goodwin, of Avenue Road, Leigh, sent her daughter Esme, 12, and son Jasper, 11, to the club. She said: “Once we knew it was definitely closed there were a few of us who were really disappointed for the children as it was such a good club and great for the kids to meet other children.

“We went and spoke to Leigh Town Council and they put us in touch with the Wesley Methodist Church.

“The church has been fantastic and allow us to use part of the church for free and support us with two youth workers who volunteer.”

The club, which runs from 4.30pm until 6.45pm on a Friday, is now in the church in Elm Road and for youngsters aged from ten to 13.

Children are kept entertained by playing pool and tables tennis as well as regular visitors, for example a graffiti art class and a reptile expert.

It regularly attracts about 50 children every Friday.

Mrs Goodwin said: “It was a slow start, but now we are really up and running and it is here to stay.”

Last Friday, Southend United players Blair Sturrock and Ryan Leonard were on hand to officially open the club and chat to youngsters.