YOUNG people looking to explore their practical skills can sign up for a new project designed to help them to find out where their talents lie.

Journeys runs workshops covering everything from basketball and rock climbing to street dance and music production.

Teenagers can sign-up for a five-week period of activities, which will take place at Purley, Waddon, Winterbourne, Samuel Coleridge Taylor, and Goldcrest youth centres.

One five-week cycle of the project has just ended, but two more are on their way in March and May.

Croydon Council's head of integrated youth support Simon Townend said: "Journeys is about helping young people to find their place in the world.

"It's a way of not only developing their skills, but also giving them a clearer idea about what their personal strengths are, where their talents lie and what they might want to do with their futures."

Sarah Akwisombe, 26, who teaches some of the creative courses on the project, said it is a great opportunity for young people in Croydon.

She said: "I hope the project will engage young people in the borough so they can learn a new skill, possibly spark a career interest, develop their communication and relationship building skills and meet new people.

"We have a lot of talented young people who can put Croydon on the map for positive reasons."

Nearly one in ten 18 to 24-year-olds in Croydon are currently out of work.

Entrepreneur Sarah, who is known in the music industry as the producer and writer Goldielocks, said young people need to show initiative.

She added: "Young people need to realise that it's about creating your own opportunities instead of waiting around for someone to help."

A taster day, where young people can try the activities, will be held on March 17 at the Croydon Clocktower.

More information about the project can be found at www.croydon.gov.uk/journeys