A COMMUNITY project to help young people in Andover has handed over more than £400 to a local charity.

Breakers CIC – which wants to turn the former bowling alley in Bridge Street into a meeting place for young and old – picked Andover Young Carers to receive the cheque.

And on Tuesday, Anji Gillies, of Breakers CIC, and mascot The Pin handed the money over to members of Andover Young Carers at its base in Admirals Way.

The £418.36 was raised when Luca Power, who is part of the community project, took part in a Christmas trade fair in London and the company he worked for was looking for a local charity to donate to.

Luca said: “The young carers came to mind first off as it’s the epitome of it, it makes sense that the young carers is something to support.”

John Middleditch, secretary of Andover Young Carers, said: “It was a wonderful surprise and we are extremely grateful.

“It will be for the work that benefits the young carers.”

Following on from being turned down for funding by Test Valley Borough Council last month, Breakers is now looking to recruit new volunteers to help get the project off the ground.

Anji wants to create a committee to organise fundraising and help.

She said: “As much as I am having fun and love doing it, we need to get a committee together of people suggesting ideas.”

To help or find out more, visit breakersandover.co.uk.