A PETERSFIELD club which helps hundreds of youngsters says it has the money to start work on new premises if they can be found.

The Kings Arms Youth Club, which has been in its current Heath Road building for 15 years, has known for some time that it will have to leave.

Club chairman John Callaghan said: “We have been searching for new premises in the town centre. Ideally we would like a purpose-built one, accessible for everyone, or a ‘gateway’ building visible to people coming into the town.

“If such a building, or a piece of land, came up, we could bring in architects and start work almost immediately – funding is available.”

The club’s current rolling lease is due to end, but could be extended for two years. p>

When a proposal for the Kings Arms to move into The Avenue Pavilion fell through, a committee was set up to find the club a new home.

Such a building would help improve its services, as at present the uncertainty makes getting new grants difficult.

A one-off £64,000 lottery grant to support young carers is running out. Although other grants have come from Hampshire County Council (£16,000) and Lloyds Bank (£10,000), there will be a huge shortfall after December, said Mr Callaghan, a former teacher at The Petersfield School.

Most carers come from low income families, many of the parents have mental health issues, and in one case two sisters look after their mother who has severe epilepsy and their father who has a heart condition.

John added: “Those kids go through hell. Occasionally, one would be late for school, and it would turn out they had been dealing with a medical emergency at home.”

The number of young carers aged eight to 18 turning to the Kings Arms has doubled in a year, with the figure now standing at 70.

The club is trying to organise a Christmas party for 60 young carers. Project manager Mandy May said: “As they are carers, they are very grown up, but this will give them a chance to celebrate as children.” The party will cost around £1,500. To help fund it, call 01730 231292, or visit www. kingsarms.org.uk where there is a justgiving page.