SULLY youth club The Den burst into life last week – with a visit from stage and screen superstar - and local resident - John Barrowman!

The new club opened after a group of parents and young people got together with the Vale Youth Service, their local Vale councillors, Post Office staff, residents association and Community Council, to brainstorm ideas about how to provide young people in the village with something specially suited for them.

Young leader reps Callum Bevan and Sam White have put in many hours, along with others, designing the logo, delivering flyers and helping apply for funding to run the club. Several others also helped deliver flyers to advertise the club.

The Den - for young people aged 11-16 years old (school years 7 to 11) - was launched last Friday (September 28) at the Jubilee Hall. And John Barrowman dropped in to surprise the young people, before officially opening The Den and encouraging the youngsters to enjoy themselves but take responsibility for their actions.

While eating hot dogs and homemade cakes, local band Brother Cubs entertained the group with numbers from their new CD.

The Den has put together a programme of events, with a different focus for each week -including a barbecue on the beach, volleyball, basketball and mini Olympics.

But a key part of the club will be offering the youngsters the chance to just chill out, with internet access, Wii games, indoor games, table tennis and pool. The club will also arrange trips to places like the Dinas Skate Park and Winter Wonderland in Cardiff.

Local parent and one of The Den’s organisers and volunteers, Jane Norton said: "Like many parents in Sully, I wanted somewhere for my children to go where there was a choice of activities on offer - somewhere they could hang out with their friends in a safe place, especially now the nights are getting darker.

"We are grateful for the support we’ve received from so many people and organisations, including our Community Police Officers. We’re also very grateful to everyone who has donated items, from sofas to a tabletennis table!"

Local Vale councillor Bob Penrose said: "The new club will not only give the youth of Sully new activities, but will also give them an insight into good citizenship and community awareness."

Fellow ward member Cllr Kevin Mahoney added: "I would like to thank the many volunteers, young and old, from the community who have stepped forward to make the new youth club a reality."

Vale Youth Worker Rhys Jones said he was "well impressed" with the opening night!

The Den will open each week at Jubilee Hall between 6.30pm and 8.30pm on Fridays (except school holidays).

For more information on the club contact Naomi Roberts on 07870 206556.