A new youth group on an inner city estate in Camden, London, has been praised for ‘making things happen’.

Actor John Hurt made the comments at the launch on Tuesday night of a new drop-in centre being run by the group.

Gordon Mansions Youth (GMY), whose members live on Gordon Mansions estate, was set up three months ago by members of Camden’s older Fitzrovia Youth in Action charity.

It aims to represent young people in the area and improve inter-generational relations, as well as organise activities for the estate’s young residents.

Mr Hurt, star of films such as Alien, Midnight Express and the Elephant Man, said at the launch: "There are some guys who talk about things, some who say things should be done and there are those who make things happen.

"That’s what these guys are doing. I am 100 per cent behind them," he added.

GMY received a grant from the Youth Opportunity Fund for equipment for its new initiative.

It is set to apply for further funding later this month in order to make the drop-in a weekly service.