A youth group at risk of being axed has secured new funding allowing it to continue for the foreseeable future.

Services provided by The Grand and Gifted Young Gravesham (GYG) were under threat after Kent County Council (KCC) ended its subsidy programme for youth clubs and other activities.

The decision meant the local authority would save £900,000 and instead create “family hubs” giving it access to £11 million in government funding.

Critics branded the move “short-sighted” and protests were held by youngsters outside County Hall, in Maidstone, to voice their anger over the cuts.

At the time, GYG member Jasmine Manning said: “My fear is if GYG is shut down as I am homeschooled I will not be able to go to people when I am in need and that I will not have as many friends.

“I am scared I will lose these people and the experiences I have been given. It terrifies me.”

However, the organisation, which is based in Gravesend, has now secured new funding meaning it will continue offering its services without making any staff redundant.

Youth work manager, Jackie Coupar, said: “There is no denying that the past year has been a challenge, not just for us, but for the youth sector in Kent as a whole.

“KCC’s decision to stop youth work commissioning was a huge blow for our organisation and ultimately for the young people and families in the borough we support.

“We have been forced to review all the services we deliver, how we operate as an organisation and how we meet the needs of the borough.

“Together the team has worked hard to secure new funding streams to help sustain our work – and will continue to look for income opportunities. But some difficult decisions had to be made.

“We are extremely sad to stop Active Listening as an in-house service but we are thankful that we can work with Elliott Holmes Memorial Fund to direct young people to another free, professional counselling service so that young people in the borough still have support.”

The group has secured funding from Arts Council England for creative projects and will begin new projects in partnership with the NHS.

They have also received donations through an online crowdfund and will continue to fundraise.

Chairman of the board for The Grand and GYG, Steve Edwards, added: “We extend our deepest gratitude to all the supporters, partners, and stakeholders who have contributed to our work over the past 21 years and who continue to support our future.

“Together, we are making a difference in the lives of young people in Gravesham, and we look forward to continuing this vital work in the months and years ahead.”

The news comes just days after GYG youth worker Harrison Pettman surprised his family with his rendition of With You from Ghost the Musical on Britain’s Got Talent.

He stunned his parents, nan and brother when he suddenly appeared on stage, having been sat in the audience with them just moments earlier.