Children have attended The Venture for 25 years

The Venture in Caia Park, Wrexham, was set up by county councillor Malcolm King in the late 1970s, offering a haven for five to 16-year-olds.

The scheme's primary purpose has always been providing the youngsters with somewhere to play. However, the Venture has other benefits for the local community.

Initially, an adventure playground, in recent years homework clubs have been introduced to give pupils somewhere peaceful to study.

"We have a birthday party every year and about 300 kids come down who use the Venture," said Mr King.

Organisers of the party are expecting an extra 1,000 people at Saturday's event and they have sent invites to all ex-users.

Youngsters

Activities have been organised and competitions will continue throughout the day.

Caia Park used to have one of the highest crime rates in north Wales.

However, a recent report suggested that juvenile crime fell by 56% in the first five years that the centre opened.

Caia Park hit the headlines in June following two nights of violence which police said were partly racially motivated.

A number of Iraqi Kurd refugees had been living on the estate and a fight broke out between them and other residents.

Mr King said the youngsters who use the Venture are a credit to local people, establishing links with people from all ethnic backgrounds.