INTERNET cafes are top of the wish list for youngsters in West Dorset but transport, sustainability, training centres, housing and jobs were not far behind.

More than 20 youngsters from Beaminster, Bridport, Dorchester and Lyme Regis, all representatives of the West Dorset Youth Council, met officers from West Dorset District Council for a 'planning for real' session.

Through a variety of fun exercises, the youngsters explored what they most and least liked about their communities, and discussed how they would like to see those communities develop.

Josh Davies, 16, and Charlotte Pearce, 15, of the Bridport Youth Assembly, said the exercise was valuable to young people who might want to spend the rest of their lives in the area, but were facing unaffordable housing, a lack of training opportunities, and jobs.

Beaminster Youth Council's chairman Jade Cherrington, 16, said: "The differences between the four communities were very interesting, but there are a lot of things that we all feel strongly about."

Everybody wanted internet cafes but the youngsters were also concerned about their future trying to stay in their communities.

Alison Eldergill, West Dorset District Council's principal planning officer, said: "The young people had a good understanding of the range of planning issues, and the results of this event will help us write important planning documents that all local people will be able to see and comment on later this year."

For more information on the West Dorset Youth Council contact Arthur Woodgate at Bridport Youth and Community Centre on 01308 422500, or Sue Bickle at West Dorset District Council on 01305 252261.