A NEW drop-in centre for youngsters in Calne could open next month.

Last week Mayor Eric Porter handed over the keys of premises in Wood Street to the centre's trustees on behalf of Calne Town Council.

The centre will be open to youngsters on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and offer a place for them to meet in a safe and warm environment.

Coun Mercy Baggs, of the Crime Prevention Panel, said donations of money and equipment had flooded in.

John Bentley School pupils have promised to paint a mural and Coun Baggs is looking for more volunteers to help decorate the centre.

Money to run the centre will come from fundraising and there will be a jumble sale next month. Coun Baggs said the project could not have come to fruition without the efforts of Coun Porter, who negotiated a £10,000 donation from housing developers Persimmon to buy the lease.