YOUNG people are being asked for ideas on how thousands of pounds should be spent to provide youth facilities for Dorchester.

The town's mayor David Barrett said he wants youngsters to tell him how to spend the money raised for his mayoral charity during the past 12 months.

The sum now stands at £3,300 and Coun Barrett expects that to attract more funding to boost the total available for more facilities.

The mayor, who hands over to incoming mayor Coun Kate Hebditch on Monday, said: "I want it to provide something for young people that will be permanent not transient and something that they would not otherwise get from somewhere else.

"I have got things in mind and I'm having discussions to see if we can create something in Dorchester that young people will be able to do or participate in for years to come.

"I think if we had been more specific about my charity when I became mayor then there's a possibility that even more money would have come in but I want to know what young people want and need."

Coun Barrett, who is on the committee for the Dorchester Youth Club in Kings Road and is chairman of the Poundbury Youth Action Group, praised the facilities and organisations already operating in the town.

He said: "The youth club is magnificent and so are other organisations that cater for young people.

"But think about the number of children who attend schools in Dorchester and the number who use those organisations - there's a big difference. I know many come in from the wider West Dorset area, but it shows something more is needed for young people."

He said one idea had been put forward by sixth formers at the Thomas Hardye School - a meeting place where they can talk and spend time together.

He said: "It's pretty simple but expensive. That is a large concept but not an impossibility."

Now he wants children and young people to write to him - at 41 Holmead Walk, Poundbury, Dorchester, DT1 3GE - with their ideas.

Coun Barrett said: "All their ideas will go into the discussions. And if they want to send drawings and illustrations, then that's all the better. I would like to hear from youngsters of all ages."

Coun Barrett said he and his wife Lynda, the mayoress, had enjoyed their year and will go on to be deputy mayor and mayoress in the coming year.

They plan to devote more time to seven young people in particular - their grandchildren.