Holt Youth Project – winner of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2014 – has been recognised as one of the country’s most imaginative and award-winning schemes working with young people of all ages from six to 30.

Its 20th anniversary is November 5.

Now, Holt Youth Project faces several major challenges – first, it needs to expand and re-design its current home in the town’s Old Station Way, and second, attract longer term financial support from across the wider community.

"We’re planning big celebrations to mark our 20 years at Old Station Way and to thank all our supporters,” said North Norfolk veterinary surgeon Tom Hume, who became chair of trustees this summer.

"We recognise that for the Holt Youth Project to deliver for the future, we need to secure financial support from businesses and individuals."

While a major source of funding has been provided by the National Lottery ‘s Community Fund of about £150,000 a year, it ends in 2026.

"We have a major challenge, so the role of the business community and individuals across north Norfolk will be crucial," he said.

Incidentally, Mr Hume raised £50,000 for the project with a friend by swimming the Channel and became only the 1,903rd person to complete the solo crossing since 1875.

It was in 2004 that the current home, including sports hall and office was officially opened by 100 youngsters.

It had taken 18 months to raise £30,000 to buy the site from Norfolk County Council and then several years of fund-raising to build it on a “shoestring,” said the project’s founder, Julie Alford, who was awarded the British Empire........

© Eastern Daily Press