A new youth shelter has been installed in Ranskill Village Park, providing a meeting place for youths in all weathers.

"When you live in a community with limited resources for young people, the foresight and generous contributions from supporters become invaluable," said Kristian Denman, Ranskill Parish Council's youth worker.

"We know this shelter will in some small way contribute to a greater cohesiveness among the Ranskill youth."

The power for the shelter's lighting comes from roof mounted solar panels, making it as eco-friendly as possible.

The project cost in the region of £14,000 and was funded by Awards for All and The Veolia Environmental Trust, which awarded a grant of £5,000 through the Landfill Communities Fund.

Made from aluminium and stainless steel, the shelter will be both hardwearing and long lasting. The parish council has installed it as part of ongoing work to encourage young people living in the village to participate in village activities.

When asked what they would like to see in the village, the teenagers responded that they would like a designated youth shelter with lighting, and added that they would be prepared to look after it.

The executive director of The Veolia Environmental Trust, Margaret Cobbold, said: "The trust works to support community and environmental projects across the UK. It is one of our main priorities to assist schemes creating much needed community facilities."