A COMMUNITY hub is looking to expand to a bigger premises after the number of students using its services more than doubled.

Currently based at the Old Library in Ombersley Street East, the Droitwich Spa and Rural Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) offers a host of facilities to the community.

But it is its education programmes for 16 to 18-year-olds which have seen a surge in popularity this year, sparking concerns among staff that the centre may not be big enough to cope with demand.

Tonia Enderbury, head of services at the CVS, said: "The education programmes we run, we only started them last September and we only took on 15 students.

"But because of the success of the programme we are taking 50 students this year, so it has really expanded.

"The problem we have is the tutors and the students have to use the rooms that are used by community groups.

"It is a community hub, we do not want to get to the point where we are turning people away all the time.

"We need some more training rooms where we can take the students."

The CVS currently offers young people the chance to gain qualifications in a variety of subjects from customer service to agriculture.

Its accredited programmes aim to help young people get onto work placements with a view to securing apprenticeships and eventually employment.

Mrs Enderbury said: "It is really good that we are helping local young people. We have students that come from Pershore, Redditch and Worcester but most of them are local.

"It is so rewarding and it is great to see the students flourish and go on to apprenticeships. Although it is hard work it is rewarding.

"The types of young people we have here either dropped out of school or didn't attend school and with the changes in Government laws they have to be in some kind of educational training until they are 18.

"Coming onto different programmes here it gives them a better idea of what they can do."

Councillor Richard Morris, who sits on Droitwich Town Council and Wychavon District Council, is helping Mrs Enderbury find a new premises in Droitwich.

He said: "It is important that we give youngsters every opportunity to succeed and some do not succeed in a school environment. Hopefully we can engage with them."

Cllr Morris added the new training rooms would need to be available for three time slots every week and be within walking distance of the Old Library Centre.

For more information about the CVS's services or to offer training rooms contact 01905 779115 or visit droitwichcvs.org.uk