When their youth club closed because of falling numbers, youngsters who wanted to keep it open decided to do something.

They started a letter-writing campaign to the city council, which ran the 511 Club at St Peter’s in Herne Drive, Greenhill.

And the power of the pen has worked as the club has reopened and is now held at Briary School on Mondays.

Corinne Malkin’s sons Kieran and Jason had both been members and they were among nine who wrote pleading with the authorities to give them back their club.

Miss Malkin, of Rowland Drive, said: “My son Kieran is too old for the club now anyway but Jason was really upset when they closed it.

“I just feel that any children’s facilities we have we should keep, especially when they’re free. So I spoke to the other parents and children and everyone was in agreement that it really ought to stay.

“All the letters were very individual, the children did their own thing.”

She added: “It’s really pleasing that the council listened to the children and took note of what they have to say. Now we just have to make sure we keep the numbers up.”

The club provides free after-school activities and is one of a number of 511 Clubs the council runs around the district.

For full details contact city council children and youth manager Alison Small by e-mailing alison.small@canterbury.gov.uk or phoning 01227 862520.