Troubled teenagers have been given a chill-out room to vent their frustrations and discuss embarrassing problems.

The 'Sitting Room' in the On Track centre in Laisterdyke aims to become a 'chill out' zone where youngsters can chat in confidence to health workers about problems they do not feel comfortable discussing with parents.

Organisers have created a modern, relaxed environment which they hope will help young people to open up on issues such drug abuse, sexual problems and eating disorders.

Savitri Cameron, a health worker who will give advice to youngsters, said: "We are trying to create a relaxed environment. Our sofa will be the centre point of it.

"We hope that youngsters who have got themselves into trouble and need advice will feel comfortable coming to us. Then we can help them on a one-to-one basis in confidence."

The centre on Leeds Road will be open every Wednesday between 3.30pm and 4.30pm for the next six months.

Around 50 pupils from Carlton Bolling School visited the centre to mark its opening.

Hayley Riseborough, 14, of Laisterdyke, said: "I think there are quite a lot of young people going around with secrets that they think they can't tell anybody. Here they will be able to talk about them.

"It's also a good place to chill out and chat with other youngsters who might be going through the same types of things."

Shiraz Qureshi, 13, Peel Park, said: "Everybody thinks the centre is great. It is a really relaxing environment where you can tell people how you feel. I would be happy to come here to chat."

The scheme has been set up by On Track, a multi-agency body funded by the Home Office which hopes to develop opportunities for children and young people in the area.

Councillor Kris Hopkins, executive member for Health and Housing, said: "We want children and their families to feel they can drop in and chat easily, so we can find out their problems and offer help.

"It is important that we get involved with young people at an early age. Children are key to the future of any area and we hope the Sitting Room will help to tackle their problems early on."

Young people and their families can visit the centre at 723, Leeds Road, Bradford, or call (01274) 435205 for more information. Di Watherston, On Track co-ordinator is pictured talking to 12-year-old Yasser Iqbal in the chill-out room.