YOUTH club volunteer Owen Kebbell has raised more than £500 by jumping out of a plane in support of the Yard youth club in Moretonhampstead.

Owen’s skydive effort from 15,000ft at Dunkeswell airfield came about after he was dared to take the plunge by members of the club.

His fundraising achievement is part of the popular club’s campaign to raise running costs.

Open to youngsters aged eight to 16, the club has doubled in membership to more than 100 young people in the two years since it became independent in 2014.

The youth club, of which Owen is also a trustee, is open to all young people aged eight to 16 and has doubled in membership, to 101 young people, since it became independent in 2014.

Run by small charity Moretonhampstead Association for Youth, the youth club offers an important local service to young people who live in a rural area with limited public transport.

It runs three sessions a week of planned indoor and outdoor activities, including music, sports, trips out, art and cooking from its purpose-built space at Green Hill, Fore Street.

The club is also currently recruiting volunteers, with a six-week induction course planned for this winter.

It became independent following the withdrawal of youth services by Devon County Council in 2014 due to funding cuts.

The club raises money through a small amount of subscription income plus fundraising and grants.

New members are very welcome – for more information visit https://theyardyouthclub.org/ or The Yard Youth Club Facebook page.

Anyone who would like to contribute to support this local service, the donations page for Owen’s skydive  is still open at https://www.sponsorme.co.uk/owenkebbell/skydive-for-the-moreton-youth-club.aspx.