BOLTON is filled with activities and groups young people can get involved in to build their skills and boost their social lives.

Bolton Lads and Girls Club, in Spa Road, remains one of the most active forces in the youth community.

For as little as 50p per visit, people aged 8 to 19, up to 25 for those with a disability, can join in sessions seven days a week, 52 weeks a year.

Outreach teams for the Lads and Girls Club also provide a presence in local areas, priding themselves on employability skills teaching, as well as one to one advice drop-in sessions.

The Play and Youth Service also runs events outside the town centre, including the Get Active Westhoughton Youth Project.

The service’s staffed mobile box appears in Westhoughton’s central park and pavilion on Monday and Friday evenings, encouraging young people ages 12 to 17 to learn a new skill, such as entrepreneurship.

The project’s urban first aid courses proved highly popular last year, giving young people the chance to learn practical health skills.

Girl Guides and Scouts groups are thriving in the region. The North West branches run camps throughout the year, along with summer events including festivals and opportunities to travel.