WEST Somerset youth clubs hit by swingeing budget cuts have won a reprieve thanks to the help of the district's largest youth centre.

The future of many clubs has been uncertain since Somerset County Council withdrew from direct responsibility for providing services earlier this year.

But now clubs in Watchet, Williton, Carhampton, Minehead, Stogursey and Luxborough are set to reopen from October 1 under the umbrella of Minehead EYE.

Working in partnership with Somerset Youth and Community Service and local communities, funding has been found to keep all six clubs open for a year.

And Minehead EYE is taking over responsibility for employing youth workers and overseeing the running of the clubs alongside parish and town councils and local committees.

And although some clubs may open less frequently than previously, organisers have pledged that under the new arrangement, all will open at least one night a week.

"As the largest youth centre in the area we could not stand by and see these clubs close," said Minehead EYE spokesman Naomi Griffith.

"Although we ourselves are a relatively new organisation we felt we had to do something so we have been working with the clubs and communities to come up with a solution."

Ms Griffith said a number of clubs had secured funding for just a year but everyone was hopeful that by reopening, a way could be found to go forward beyond that.

"It certainly won't be easy but our journey to get Minehead EYE has taught us to persevere and not give up.

"We will be working with the young people to help them fund-raise for their clubs, as well as with the committees and town and parish councils to see how they can get involved.

"We view the future positively and look forward to getting the communities more involved in their youth clubs as well as building a stronger relationship with Minehead EYE."

As part of the new package, Minehead EYE will support the clubs with a range of essentials, such as health and safety issues and insurance.

"But we will also be working with them on programming and all the clubs will visit Minehead EYE as part of their programme of activities," said Ms Griffith.

"It is an exciting time for us all."