Construction work is due to commence on Blackpool's new £4m Southpoint Youth Hub, which has received funding from the government's myplace initiative.

The demolition of an old building on the site next to Palatine School has already started, with the build process expected to get underway in January. Facilities at the new youth hub will allow local young people to participate in a number of arts, music and sports activities, as well as becoming involved in enterprise.

Blackpool Council and the town's Children's Trust led a bid to secure the Lottery funding for the project, which has seen the facility designed by residents. Council cabinet member for children's services Peter Collins said: "All the young people living in Blackpool will have a place to come and join with like minded people to learn new things, take part in fun and exciting activities or develop their own ideas."