A PIONEERING project which helps hundreds of Keighley young people stay on the right track is fully operational again in the town.

The Joint Activities & Motor Education Service (JAMES) stopped running vehicle maintenance at its Keighley site last year when the man in charge retired.

But now the popular mechanics' training is back in gear – with a new staff member at the helm – and the premises, at the junction of South Street and Queens Road, have undergone a refurbishment.

A new mezzanine floor has been installed and work carried out on the roof.

And JAMES bosses revealed this week that the project was hoping to gain community asset status for the Bradford Council-owned building.

"The council is keen to work with us and we are looking at how we can be secure for the future at the site," said JAMES development manager Anna Shepherd.

"We know there's a big demand for our services here in Keighley.

"There is a lot goes on at the premises – it is not just mechanics' courses – and the place is fully open for business again.

"We also run alternative education programmes, working in our classroom with disengaged young people to teach them English and maths.

"There's sport and outdoor education, family work, traineeships and volunteering, female-only provision and drop-in youth sessions."

She says young people come to the project for many different reasons.

Last year, 317 youngsters – many of them on long-term programmes – accessed the Keighley services.

Nearly 1,400 sessions were delivered from the base.

"For most young people it makes up a part of their education – for example some might be with us for one day a week and attend school or college at other times," she said.

"But it depends on each individual situation.

"Some of them have low social skills or for whatever reason are not getting the most out of mainstream education.

"We have a very good relationship with local secondary schools and work closely with them."

E-mail enquiries@jamesuk.org or visit jamesuk.org/ for more details about the scheme.