A project helping unemployed youths has been given a make over and was officially re-launched on Tuesday.

The Cellar project initially opened in Settle in December 1987 although the venue, below the town hall, has been used as a meeting place for young people since the 1970s.

It is the only place where job cards from Skipton Job Centre can be accessed in Settle.

It is also a centre for Learning Gateway, a means by which 16 to 18 year olds can find employment and courses, and the Keighley Programme Centre hold regular advice sessions there.

Twice a week it is used as a youth club where younger teenagers can socialise and use the facilities, including a television and video, pool table, computer and snack bar.

Sean Whittle, district youth worker, said: "Over the years the Cellar has been the recipient of a great deal of negative local press. It was not seen as the place where 'nice' people should go."

The Cellar also had an occurring problem with sewage. Being below ground level and close to the old Victorian drainage system, raw sewage sometimes flooded the rooms.

Now new fixtures, new partnerships, new staff and above all a new ethos have completely rejuvenated the Cellar.

Rachel Hirst, 17, uses the centre on a Tuesday to look for jobs and to access the Learning Gateway project.

She also helps out the project by doing work on the computer, which also enhances her own skills to help her find employment.

She said: "People should come down, it's a laugh, and there's always something to do. You learn things like team building and communication which will go towards getting a job."

The Cellar has formed strong links with other organisations including the Settle housing project THYNC, careers and employment services. It is funded by North Yorkshire County Council, but also does its own fundraising and has recently received £500 from Settle Rotary Club.

Mr Whittle said: "The Cellar community project is at a very exciting time in its life. We want the community of Craven to see that we are here. We want people to pay us a visit, to use the facilities, to make the Cellar community project a thriving, integral part of the North Craven Community.

"Employment is the major problem for young people in this area. There are not many big employers and all the facilities for young people to find work are either in Lancaster or Skipton."

Information, advice and guidance providers who operate within the North Craven area attended Tuesday's re-launch, including representatives of the careers services, local councillors, and police.

Beth Graham, chairman of Settle Town Council, said: "The centre has come a long way, thanks to all sorts of people who have showed their support. We are now looking to a much brighter future.

"There are a group of people in this town that we are failing; the 12, 13 and 14 year olds, who I see almost every night of the week with nothing for them to do and no where for them to go. And here we have premises which they can use."

The centre is open all day Tuesday and also on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, and is looking for volunteers. It can be contacted on 01729 825179.