YOUTH leaders in Dawlish are encouraging people to volunteer to help support the town’s youngsters.

The messages came at the Dawlish Action for Youth annual general meeting, held at the Red Rock Centre in Sandy Lane.

Retiring chairman Shirley Fewings said it was a ‘privilege to be able to support’ the charity.

Shirley, who was made an MBE in 2014 for her work managing Assist Teignbridge, has been a staunch supporter and has spent many years running the youth club.

At the AGM, she said: ‘We need more people to get involved and help to provide the range of different services we provide.

‘We get up to 50 young people coming here who are able to access a fun area and a safe space.

‘But it has been a challenging year.’

Mayor of Dawlish Cllr Rosie Dawson said it was an ‘absolute pleasure’ to chair the meeting.

She said: ‘It’s great to see such support for such a wonderful facility.

‘We’ve had a good turnout but we need to encourage more people to become involved as volunteers.’

Chloe Brook, lead youth worker, said more volunteers are needed to grown and provide more sessions for young people.

Incoming chairman Joey Gill also wanted to encourage more people to get involved.

He said: ‘The centre gives the youth of Dawlish a chance to express themselves and have a safe place to come.

‘It’s a great space to have.

‘I moved here with my family seven years ago and my son, who is nine, loves coming here.’