A grant of almost £10,000 will see Wem Youth Club open to younger children.

The Big Lottery funding will allow the club to open on Tuesday nights for children aged nine to 11, while also developing workshops and activities that are facilitated and sustained by children aged 12 to 15, who already attend the club on Wednesday nights.

Councillor Pauline Dee, who co-chairs the club alongside Dr Sue Challis, said: “The Lottery funding is to help young people explore their needs and ideas for the youth club using arts, digital media and crafts.

”We can also open a second night each week for young children for which there has long been a need.

”Our aim is to spend as much of the funding as possible locally to support the town and we are very grateful to all out funders, supporters and volunteers.”

The funding is part of a £7.5 million windfall from the National Lottery for community projects across the West Midlands.

James Harcourt, England Grant Making director at the Big Lottery Fund said: “We are proud to give National Lottery money to local projects that make a difference in their communities.

“Whether £500 or £500,000, our funding is used to run amazing projects led by local people.

“When you hear about projects like these you realise the incredible impact the money generated by National Lottery players has had on communities across England. It really is life changing.”

Wem Youth Club is open from 6pm to 8pm on both evenings and is based on Leek Street.