A Shaftesbury Youf Gang member has penned the youth group's latest Argus column

“MY NAME is Charlie Young. I’m 14 and live with my parents and my two German shepherd dogs.

"I was one of the founding members of the Shaftesbury Youf Gang and I help my mum with the money.

“2018 was a great year for the gang.

"We had a few large grants of money, which has let us have new sports equipment for our Monday night sports club, new club clothing and supported lots of activities .

“Our club always raises a lot for charity.

"In 2018 we climbed Pen-y-Fan mountain for Sparkle and raised more than £1,500.

"It was cold and rained hard, so a challenge, but when we went to the Serennu Centre with the funds raised it was obvious to us that it was a good place to donate to.

“We also did the Royal British Legion Poppy Run, which was harder than last year, and raised more than £1,000.

"Thurston, one of our members, was first in the youth race.

“We did many activities in 2018, like staying at Ynys Hywel Activity Centre.

"We did gorge walking which was awesome. There were three jumps into cold water.

"We also did water sports at Llandegfedd Reservoir, went paintballing and watched three Wales matches in 2018.

“Coming up in 2019 there is a day out at Glamorgan Cricket Club, where they’re hosting a softball tournament, and go-karting.

"We will also be doing our local litter picks and getting involved with the Ffrind i Mi project, helping elderly and vulnerable people in the local community.”

To find out more about Shaftesbury Youf Gang, contact their leader on: Richy.davies@gwent.pnn.police.uk