YOUNG people in Yate got all revved up for the official launch of Urbie', a new vehicle for the youth team's outreach work.

The bus has already been on the road for about four months, but the launch in the town's shopping centre yesterday was designed to raise people's awareness of the facility and the important work it does.

Cllr Ian Blair took time out to go and see the Urbie launch.

He said: "The Urbie has been purchased by Yate Town Council for use by the detached team of South Gloucestershire Youth Services working in Yate.

"It is an essential tool for the youth workers because it gives them a base.

"There has been lots of interest in the bus and what it is used for - in particular the children on school holidays seem to recognise it straight away, which can only be a good thing.

Charlie Williams, speaking on behalf of the youth team, thought the event was a great success.

"The point of the Urbie is to deliver detached youth work sessions to Yate's young people.

"The bus contains lots of resources and lots of information. There's sports equipment, arts equipment, stereo - there's even a video camera available for people to use.

"The event on Monday had a Hawaiian cocktail bar theme - quite ironic really, considering the hail! There were henna tattoos and face painting, and we generated lots of interest from passers-by.

"We also had good representation from the town council. It was nice that the vice-mayor Ian Blair came along," he said.

The event also served the purpose of highlighting the need for funding for the youth café, which has now secured a site close to the leisure centre.

Several hundred people added their names to the petition, which it is hoped will be the final push needed to secure finance for this long-awaited project.