AN asset management firm has played a big part in helping young people rebuild their lives through its support for a new centre.

Cripps Portfolio of Tunbridge Wells sponsored the official opening of the new Fairbridge in Kent complex in Chatham Historic Dockyard. Allan Willett, the Lord Lieutenant of Kent and successful businessman, performed the ceremony.

David Lough, chief executive of Cripps Portfolio, a company that demerged from the law firm Cripps Harries Hall in 2001, spoke about the growing relationship between his company and Fairbridge, both in Kent and nationally.

Fairbridge in Kent has been in the dockyard for the past 19 years but has now moved to the old Lead and Paint Mill in College Road.

The organisation works with young people aged between 13 and 25 who have been excluded from society in some way.

"It's not just youngsters excluded from school," said the centre's manager Simon Warr. "It could be through homelessness, drug or alcohol abuse, or a whole range of things.

"We help them to bebuild their confidence as a step towards re-integrating with society."

One way the charity does this is by teaching youngsters the basics of music production. They learn to play instruments, recording techniques and record production, and end up creating their own CDs."