A CHARITY which brings together faith and fun is the first group nominated for the 2016 Argus Community Stars prize for Youth Group of the Year.

Kidz Klub Brighton and Hove, which has four branches based in churches around the city, aims to help young children feel confident and accepted regardless of their background or belief.

Simultaneously it explores and explains the tenets of Christian belief with the children and encourages them to “live a lifestyle based on Christian values”.

Archie-Peter Baitup, 14, attended as a member and now volunteers at his nearby Fishersgate branch as a helper leading activities for the seven to 11-year-olds who comprise the clubs’ members.

He said: “They are a great charity who really stretch themselves to the limits to make their youth group the best.

“There are brilliant games and activities and amazing teaching sessions called VIP time in which they teach the youth about Jesus, God and the importance of Christianity while laying it down softly and appropriately.

“And before the religious activities start there is football, and drawing, all kinds of things.”

His mother Kerry said she was a big fan of the group without having a Christian connection.

She said: “We’re not religious but it’s a fantastic group, it’s something which keeps the kids off the streets.

“It keeps them occupied and entertained and lets them expend all their energy.

“It’s not just for people who are connected with the church, it’s for the community.

“They do loads of really good kids’ activities. They have just come back from an activity week away in Northumbria.”

On their website founders Chris and Debbie Jarvis say the club helps children, their families and the community in 10 ways, including “by showing genuine and unconditional acceptance and care to children, young people and their families, especially those from the more disadvantaged areas of our city” and “by inspiring the children and young people to be caring, helpful and co-operative and to show respect to people, property and authority”.

The group fosters relationships with churches, which provide space for the club to meet and in return can then invite Kidz Klub families to their special events and services.

Last year’s award was won by dance school Streetfunk.