More than 100 children, aged between 8 and 16, have already signed-up to the fun sessions, held every Thursday at Harpur Hill Children's Centre.

Last week saw the club's official opening, as High Peak Mayor Robin Baldry and Derbyshire county councillor Barbara Wilson joined youngsters, parents and supporters for a guided tour of the project.

Cllr Baldry, also a county councillor, said: "It is beyond doubt a great dream for the children of Harpur Hill coming true, and to see them enjoying all the fantastic activities available is wonderful, all the community mixing and working together."

The youth club was the brainchild of Harpur Hill Residents' Association, who responded to calls from local youngsters for a new facility.

Support has been received along the way from the Youth Opportunities Fund, Youth Capital Fund and the Bingham Trust, along with donations from the Mayoral Charity, Cllr Wilson's Leadership Fund and local fund-raisers.

Activities are spread across two venues; the community activity room at the Children's Centre, currently donated free of charge, and the hall at Harpur Hill Primary School, which is hired at a reduced rate.

High Peak Borough Council has also supplied two sport workers for 40 weeks to help run sports activities for club members.

Three weeks into the project, Youth Club Leader Emma Day said: "It's going from strength to strength. The children are really enjoying the activities.

"It's getting them off the streets, and because we are covering a vast age range we are getting the older ones to take a more leadership role with the younger ones. We are also going to be looking at citizenship, fund-raising and other accredited youth training."

She added that the club was hoping to become OFSTED registered in the near future.

Harpur Hill Youth Club meets on Thursdays at the Children's Centre, between 6.30pm-8.30pm.

Every week, a series of fun and interesting activities are on offer, ranging from sports and team games to arts, crafts and cooking.

Other attractions include a Nintendo Wii console and games, and there will be a tuck shop to purchase food and snacks.

A small charge of 60p goes towards the running of the club.

The next meeting tonight (Thursday) will include a visit from local police officers.

* Parents who would like to volunteer at the club, or join a new youth club steering group, can find out more by calling Harpur Hill Residents' Association on 07530 713 850.

* The next meeting of Harpur Hill Residents' Association will be on Tuesday at Harpur Hill Club at 7.30pm. All welcome.