A CAFE for teenagers to hang out on Friday nights has been officially opened in Northwich town centre.

The first ROC Cafe in west Cheshire has been set up at the Old Fire Station, in Chesterway, in response to years of youngsters congregating in High Street.

National charity Redeeming Our Communities (ROC) worked with a variety of partners, including the town council, police, fire service and NHS, to set up the youth hub.

It offers an informal space to meet and runs organised activities like music nights, graffiti workshops and baking nights.

Debra Green, ROC founder and executive director, said: "Boredom is one of the key reasons for anti-social behaviour and young people not having anywhere to go.

"We want to get these places opened up all over Cheshire west.

"We've got 32 across the country but Northwich is the first in Cheshire west.

"It's where young people come first.

"It's to do with young people having a place where they can come and meet with friends which is safe but it's also about unofficial mentoring as well.

"They get to meet role models and learn about making lifestyle choice."

ROC was established as a north west charity in 2004 but now has cafes in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Debra said a similar cafe in Salford had made headlines as there had been a 90 per cent reduction in anti social behaviour since it opened.

"We were really encouraged when we saw that," she said.

She also praised all of the partners involved in the project.

"By working together you can release different resources and every partner makes a difference to the whole," she said.

"The outcome of this is safer, kinder communities."

Town mayor Clr Alison Gerrard, who officially opened the cafe, said: "Our town has long needed a facility like this and it's great that we've now got one."

The cafe was also given a £1,000 donation from Roberts Bakery on the launch night.

The ROC Cafe is for people aged between 11 and 16 and opens from 7pm to 9pm on Fridays.