A WOMAN who for 26 years co-ran a popular youth club at Mettingham Village Hall is helping a new generation of youngsters who use the venue.Janet Hurst ran the youth club with her friend Alan Sampson, and was recently surprised to find that �233 had been left in the youth club's trustee account following its closure in 1990.

A WOMAN who for 26 years co-ran a popular youth club at Mettingham Village Hall is helping a new generation of youngsters who use the venue.

Janet Hurst ran the youth club with her friend Alan Sampson, and was recently surprised to find that �233 had been left in the youth club's trustee account following its closure in 1990.

Last Friday she decided to donate the money to the new parent and toddler group that use the hall- and found out that one of her old members is still visiting the venue with her 19-month-old son.

Mr Sampson, who was in charge of the account, passed away a few years ago and it was his wife that received a letter from the bank informing her of the money.

“Because I left about six months before he packed it in I had no knowledge of the money,” explained Mrs Hurst. “The bank contacted Alan's wife just a few months ago. You would have thought they would have done it before. I'm absolutely thrilled about it. It's so lovely that it's going to children again. It gives me tremendous pleasure to give something back.”

The club, which opened its doors to around 35 children at the height of it popularity, entertained children from Bungay as well as the surrounding villages.

“Me and Alan joined in with them,” said Mrs Hurst. “Alan played table tennis with them and all the other games like darts, which I don't think you'd be allowed to play now! It was a very happy youth club. I walked away with a heavy heart.”

Hollie Bowmer, 32, used to attend Mrs Hurst's youth club and now brings her 19-month-old son Harvey to the parent and toddler group.

“It was brilliant,” she said. “My brothers and sisters used to come as well. I remember Janet and Alan. It's nice that the second generation's coming here!”

“It's like d�j� vu, it makes me feel old!” said Mrs Hurst. “I didn't recognise her.”

The parent and toddler group started up in January, and is run by Andrea Toplis. She said that the money from Mrs Hurst would allow her to offer free trial sessions for any new parents, as well as purchase a sandpit and outdoor toys.

For more information on the parent and toddler group, telephone Andrea on 01986 895750.