A disco was held at Lavenham Park Community Youth Club's base at St Mary's Hall, on Poplar Hill, to mark 10 years of the club last Tuesday evening.

One of the group's founding members, Patsy Stammers, also celebrated 40 years of working with children.

Mrs Stammers, 68, said: "I am very proud of everyone here.

"We have a wonderful team and they are all like family."

The club was formed in July 1998 following protest marches and petitions on the estate as youngsters claimed they had nothing to do.

A decade later, the club, which meets every Tuesday evening, still has around 30 youngsters attending each week.

Mrs Stammers, of Lavenham Way, Stowmarket, said: "This place gives the kids a sense of belonging.

"If we don't care about each other, we don't have a future."

Mrs Stammers first started working with children in Stowmarket in 1968, when she volunteered at Childer Road Youth Centre.

Forty years later, Mrs Stammers, who has three children and five grandchildren, still enjoys the energy and enthusiasm of the youngsters she helps.

She said: "Young people are the future and the children here are absolutely brilliant.

"They are so full of life and potential and energy. "

Mrs Stammers won two prizes at the Peoples' Awards in 2005 for her work within the community, despite also caring for her husband, David, for 18 years after he suffered a stroke.

Although David died five years ago, Mrs Stammers said the youth club gave her a haven from her cares during his illness.

She said: "When I came here, I could switch off from David and concentrate on the children.

"You have to leave your troubles at the door."

Philip Shepherd, chairman of Lavenham Park Community Association, presented Mrs Stammers with a bouquet to mark her anniversary and paid tribute to her commitment to the group.

Roxanne Sparkes, 20, attended the group when it opened and now works there as a volunteer.

She said: "The youth club is great as it gives kids a place to meet and play.

"I used to come here when it first started and it has improved over the 10 years."

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