Anonymous donors have stepped in to support the newly reformed Rowde Youth Club following a story in last week’s Gazette.

New organiser Iain Marr was delighted when well wishers contacted him to donate a total of £700 to the club.

Mr Marr said: “It was fantastic. As soon as people saw the story in the Gazette they got in touch to offer financial help but they want to stay anonymous.”

One supporter has donated £500 and there have been a number of smaller gifts.

The club held its first session under the new leadership on Friday evening at Rowde Primary School and 35 youngsters attended.

Mr Marr said: “It was great so many youngsters turned up.

“We also had a young person who used to be a volunteer helper come along and he said he had never known such a good turnout or for the atmosphere to be so good.”

Parish council chairman Jackie Bawden said: “I am delighted the club is back up and running. It is a very positive thing for the village.”

The club meets on Fridays from 6.30pm to 8.30pm during school term time.

Devizes School is hoping to restart the lunchtime youth club sessions in the youth club building adjoining the school site.

A taster session for Year 11 pupils was held last Thursday so they could decide if they wanted to pay £25 to cover the cost of sessions until the end of the school year in 2015.

If enough students sign up, the sessions will run every weekday in term time from November 3.