A BUTCHER has donated £6,000 to help start a youth centre in Mirfield.

Chris Ramsden, of Mirfield, pledged the cash to help youth worker Glyn Bellwood build a youth centre at his G-Sport gymnasium on Huddersfield Road.

But, despite a £12,500 pledge from Mirfield Town Council on Tuesday, Mr Bellwood is appealing for sponsors to help with the project which could cost up to £70,000.

Glyn, 42, who has worked with troubled youngsters, says a youth centre will make a big difference to Mirfield.

He says youth have been running amok in the town because they have nothing to do.

Glyn says the centre will feature fitness and boxing facilities as well as a kitchen, cafe and classrooms for extracurricular tutoring. He hopes to have the centre ready so his niece Eden Shaw, 11, from Dewsbury, who has terminal cancer, can open it.

Mr Ramsden, 50, of C. Ramsden butchers, Huddersfield Road, says: “Glyn has put his own money in and its got to the point where he needs more funding otherwise his project will stop. Mirfield needs to do something from within rather than wait for others to intervene. Glyn is trying to do something and he needs businesses to back him.

“We’re hoping it will make a big difference. It’s better to try something than sit still.”

Mr Bellwood says: “When Chris offered the money it was unbelievable. It was an emotional moment.

“The kids are running Mirfield. I’m about the only person who can go into Mirfield at night and not be frightened by them.

“I spoke to some of them and asked them what they wanted.

“They said there was nothing to do and it’s always been that way.

“I’ve re-mortgaged my house and sold my BMW to get this going so any help would be great. I want to open the centre as soon as possible while Eden’s health is sustainable.

Mirfield Councillor Martyn Bolt said: “The young people of Mirfield say there’s nothing to do so Glyn has identified something for them to do. Glyn has hit on an idea and Chris has helped bring it to fruition and they deserve full credit for it.”

Glyn opened G-Sport in 2004 offering free gym use to Mirfield youngsters.