CHILL & Chat Café opened its doors last weekend for its first teenage session.

Tracey King, owner of the premises, describes it as a community café where members can use it for their needs.

The idea for the teenage sessions came from volunteer, Lily Cheney who wanted a space for teenagers to come hang around and to get them off the streets.

Lily said: “I felt that the town needed a local cafe for teenagers to just be themselves, to not be hanging around on the streets and to be in a safe place where they can just chill and chat.

“It’s taken off really well and I can’t wait to see the outcome.”

There has been a lot of interest in the session which ran from 1-3 on Saturday but will run from 2-5 every Saturday.

Michelle Cheney, mum of Lily said: “Living locally I see the amount of youths gathering in the town centre and the bad press they receive on social media, however there are no provisions in the local area that are available for them to use, and the fact Lily is a teenager will hopefully encourage others to come along.

“I am proud of Lily’s dedication and determination to make Heckmondwike a better place.”

The café provides free sandwiches and a drink for all those in attendance.

Lily’s friends have also got involved with the project and are helping her run the sessions.

Tracey said: “The girls are planning on getting activities going in future sessions, but it was a good turnout for the first.”

The Café is a Community Interest Company and so the money that was left over was used for the sessions.

Tracey is applying for funding for these sessions so they can have the best impact on the local youth.

The Chill and Chat café can be found in Heckmondwike town Centre.