TV star Esther’s mad for Mahdlo

Esther Rantzen meeet young leaders (l-r) Nelson Miller, Charlotte Gaskell and Aaliyah Grime.

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TV vEteran and child campaigner Esther Rantzen says Oldham’s new £5million youth zone is “fantastic” and should be copied around the country.

The former “That’s Life!” presenter and ChildLine founder was shown around by some of the 2,000 young members.

She said: “I love organisations, projects, charities that know exactly what the need is and make sure they fulfil that need. For years and years, young people have told us at ChildLine they need somewhere safe to meet and enjoy themselves.

“There are all kinds of organisations working in this area - Scouts and Guides, for example. But this is such a fantastic idea because it’s a complete mixture of different kinds of resources, ages, abilities and interests. It’s an idea that could be replicated around the country - young people are voting with their feet.”

Esthere was among a group of guests from the police, Army, NSPCC, church and other organisations who were shown round the town-centre buyilding which opened in March 2012.

Mahdlo president Norman Stoller said: “The people visiting today have heard about these youth zones, but I’m not sure they have ever seen them. It is all about getting people to appreciate why it important to support youth zones.”