A NEW youth group is being established in Dumbarton for primary school pupils to drop in and socialise with their friends in a fun, safe environment.

Riverside Youth Group will be open for primary 6-7 age pupils throughout June, and will be run by volunteers and development worker Marie Clare Dungavell.

Marie Clare has been instrumental in building a strong relationship with local schools and parents since her appointment last year and has noticed a need for a youth group in the area.

She told the Reporter: “There use to be one in Riverside Church and it was always successful, but it slowly dwindled away as the children got older.

“It was mentioned again by parents and I thought we could run taster sessions throughout June in the hope of opening up fully in autumn.

“There is currently very little organised for the young in Dumbarton on Friday evenings, and we hope this group will expand and adapt to meet the interests and demands of young folk as they leave primary school, hopefully staying with them as they move to secondary school.”

Marie Clare will be visiting the area's schools over the next couple of weeks with details about the new group in order to drum up some business.

The Riverside Halls are spacious with a purpose built games hall which will be suitable for the children to play basketball and badminton.

Also on offer will be plenty of team games including 'the parachute' , table football, air hockey and table tennis, in order for the kids to mix together and become friends.

Snacks and drink will be provided, and a tuck shop will be established in the autumn.

On arrival each night, name and contact details of a parent or carer will be taken, with all club members to be dropped off and picked up by a nominated parent or carer.

Marie Clare hopes the youth group will become a hub for the local community.

“In the town centre there's not much to do for children which is safe,” she added.

“The youth group will allow children to come and meet their friends away from home, this will make them feel more independent in a safe and friendly environment so parents and carers don't have to worry.”

Riverside Youth Group will run every Friday night in June from 7.30-9.30pm in Riverside Parish Church.

You can find out more information from the church office or by turning up on the first night, Friday, June 3.