FRUSTRATED with the lack of facilities for young people in the area, and antisocial behaviour on the rise, a dad decided to take things into his own hands.

Putting an idea into practice, Darren Parsons, from Ashingdon, started a youth club, called Kaos, with just five people turning up on the first night – but two years later the club has blossomed to become a household name in Rochford.

The 50-year-old said: “I attended Rocheway Youth Club in Rochford when I was younger but now it’s boarded up and not in use.

“I started the youth club because a lack of things for young people to do in our area. There is a big need for youth clubs, I started with five on first night and now I have 164 members.

“It’s not just about kicking a ball about but information, too - we had the Children’s Society in for drugs, alcohol, social media awareness and we often have others, too.”

Kaos Youth Club also has a big focus on teaching youngsters to cook and regularly has sessions including spaghetti bolognese, chicken curry, pancakes, cupcakes, brownies, fudge, and pizzas from scratch.

Mr Parsons added: “It is about giving young people a regular club to attend with outside activities. We offer different things, including Rolla City and football, and educational talks on social media, and alcohol.

“It is very rewarding, we really enjoy seeing the young people having fun and keeping them out of trouble.

“They really enjoy youth club and we make it an amazing experience, we have pool tables, table tennis, Xbox, PS4, table football and even have reptile shows.”

The youth club welcomes youngsters between the ages of 10 and 15 and caters for everyone - including for youngsters with Aspergers, cerebral palsy, autism and mental health problems.

The youth club also has a big focus on charity.

Mr Parsons said: “We also do a lot to fundraise for charity. We have an auction night coming up for Neptune children’s ward at Southend Hospital. And a band night for a charity.”

Looking to the future, Mr Parsons hope success will continue.

He said: “I am sure the youth club will keep growing and to have our own building would my dream in the future.

“We hold events on Tuesday nights at Ashingdon Memorial Hall from 6.30pm until 8.30pm but we have outside activities as well on different nights.”

To find out more about the award-winning youth club, visit the Facebook page - Kaos Youth Club.