TV favourite Timmy Mallett helped to officially open a new youth club in the heart of Marlow.

The well-known children's presenter joined new Marlow mayor Roger Wilson in welcoming the club's first members.

Starbucks coffee shop, in High Street, will host the facility three days a week from 7.30pm to 9.30pm for teens aged 13 to 17.

Timmy, who lives in Cookham, told the Free Press he wished he had something like it when he was young.

"I think it's a terrific idea," he said. "It's somewhere the kids can come and mess about, relax and have fun."

Evan Milton, a 15-year-old pupil at Sir William Borlase's Grammar School, in West Street, was one of the first through the door.

He said: "I know all my friends will use it. It's going to be really popular."

Members will be asked to pay a £10 joining fee, which lasts for 12 months, and in return can use the club on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

However, the first month will be free for a trial period to help establish numbers.

Cllr Wilson, who was performing his first official duty since taking over the mayoral chains from Cllr Doug Anson, reckoned Wednesday's launch was the perfect way to begin his 12-month tenure.

He said: "Marlow's been crying out for something like this."

"And I am keen to see if we can expand it from three days to seven days, in consultation with Starbucks."

The 120 Club was the brainchild of Cllr Anson and his deputy mayor Cllr Tony Dunn, who wanted to find somewhere for Marlow's children to meet without adult supervision, but in a safe environment.

Negotiations with Starbucks began in November last year and plans were finalised in April.

Cllr Anson said: "I am absolutely delighted the club is finally up and running. I must say a big thank you to Starbucks for their help and support."

A delighted Cathy Heseltine, from the caf chain, said: "We hope it'll be as popular as the youth caf in our Epsom store which offers young people an inviting, comfortable and smoke-free environment to meet each other."