STORM-DAMAGED Buckfastleigh Youth Club has launched a first public appeal for financial help in its 40-year history.

The volunteer-run concern in Chapel Street needs to find £5,000 to fix its leaking toilet roof.

Patch-up repairs have been made to the collapsed roof which succumbed to relentless rain during the Christmas break.

But the initial breach in defences has left its mark with damage caused to flooring and electrics.

Club spokesman Emma Distin admitted this week: 'Our repairs will not hold forever. This part of the building is in need of a new roof entirely.'