A YOUTH club for people with learning disabilities is celebrating its first anniversary.

Mencap Youth Club, which was set up in September 2010, has nearly tripled its membership since its inception.

To celebrate its first anniversary staff at the youth club held an anniversary party at Popley Spotlight Centre in Shakespeare Road, complete with cake and a circus skills workshop.

More than 20 young people came to the event, accompanied by their parents and carers.

Basingstoke MP Maria Miller was among those attending. She told The Gazette: “I think it’s so important to have services to support young people in Basingstoke with learning difficulties. This club has gone from strength to strength in the last 12 months.”

Tracey Powell, leader at the Youth Club, said the club has thrived despite financial challenges.

Mrs Powell, a mother-of-two from Winklebury, said: “When we started up we had nine members and now we have 26 youngsters, aged 11- 18.

“We try and do as many different activities as possible, while keeping everything very structured. I know that our members really enjoy coming along.

“But we are always looking for funding and are reliant on grants and donations.”

Activities on offer at the youth club include DJ workshops and art sessions. It meets in the Popley Spotlight Centre, every other Friday, between 7pm and 9pm and the club has offices in The Orchard, White Hart Lane.

For more information on the club, email tracey. bmyc@ virgin.media.com or call 07514 002091.