A village YMCA group is moving out of its dilapidated premises after 50 years.

Idle YMCA is looking for a buyer for the old Methodist hall in Town Lane, Idle, Bradford, after the group said it wanted to channel funds into opportunities for youngsters instead of spending money on the up-keep of the historic building.

It is hoped cash made from the sale of the late-Victorian building will be used to pay for programmes for users planned for other locations in the village.

Eileen Fearon, chief executive of Idle YMCA, said: "As a charity focused on young people we recognise that we are not making the best use of our funds by channelling them into the up-keep of such an old building.

"For this reason we have taken a decision to sell the premises in Town Lane in order to reinvest in our core work in that community."

Miss Fearon said the YMCA ran a programme of activities, including out-of-school care for youngsters, partnerships with youth work programmes and facilities for adult hobby groups.

She said: "We hope that by redirecting funds which will not have to be spent on maintaining such an old building, the YMCA will grow and improve here in Idle.

"Announcements will shortly be made about a number of exciting local partnerships which will tie in to the new locations for services.

"Parents and children who enjoy the out-of-school and holiday scheme should not be concerned as there are absolutely no plans for closure. We are totally committed to continuing this service, but from a different and more suitable local venue."

Councillor Jeanette Sunderland (Lib Dem, Idle) said: "Hopefully there will be an interested party who will develop the bricks and mortar, while the YMCA focuses on developing community services for our young people."

A meeting will be held for residents to hear more about the sale at the YMCA on Wednesday, March 3 at 7.30pm.

People can contact Miss Fearon on (01274) 504555 or the YMCA on (01274) 611821.