Preston youth centre to stage ceremony to thank youngsters who helped to decorate it

Volunteers from The Prince’s Trust - a youth charity that helps young people aged 11 to 30 get into jobs, education and training - grabbed their paintbrushes and helped to decorate the Yooof Zone, on Lune Street.

The centre was launched by reformed criminal Stephen Mellor, 41, and his wife Sammy, 29, last year, and is backed by local businessman Barry Hestewell.

The launch attracted attention nationally because at the age of 18, Stephen was involved in the bloodbath killing of John Dookie outside the Variety pub in 1997.

He is dedicating his time to helping youngsters in the city at risk of becoming involved in gang activity or knife crime by providing activities and a safe meeting point for them.

The centre is also helping to feed Preston’s homeless community.

Stephen said: “We have had some young people volunteer and do some painting for us.

“We are holding a ceremony on Friday to say thank you to the work of the kids from the Princes’ Trust, who have given us their time.

“The deputy Mayor will be present alongside a few others.”