A Sheringham youth club under threat from closure has been saved thanks to a Norwich charity.

The Sheringham Youth Zone sent out a plea for help after founder and leader Julie Chalmers stood down, and the OPEN Youth Trust came to the rescue.

The OPEN charity will be taking over the management and continuing the work of the well-attended group.

Julie Chalmers said: 'After four years of running the Youth Zone, it was a very difficult and sad decision to make but the time is right for me to hand over the club.'

Mrs Chalmers had previously explained to the North Norfolk News that she was standing down due to parent's lack of interest along with some youngsters' disrespect of the venue and play equipment.

She added: 'I am so pleased that the youth club will now be run by some really lovely people from OPEN, who have been volunteering already for a couple of months.

'OPEN have the youngsters best interest at heart, which I always have had, and I know they will also continue a good relationship with Sheringham Town Council.'

The club, based at the community centre on Holt Road, has been open since 2013.

Mrs Chalmers continued: 'I'd like to thank all those who made Sheringham Youth Zone possible and to the hundreds of youngsters that have made it all so worthwhile, I hope that somehow we made a difference to you all.'

Lara Nicole is the OPEN Outreach Manager who organised the takeover. She said: 'OPEN's focus is to make a positive difference to the lives of young people in Norfolk and we believe that Sheringham Youth Zone does just that.

'The youth club is a real asset to the local community and we are excited be given the opportunity to continue this for the young people of Sheringham'.

The club offers activities such as art activities, table tennis and air hockey.

OPEN will be continuing with the mission of the club's original management: 'To be accessible to all children including those who may be struggling in some way or feeling lonely and would benefit from this club.'