A key youth worker is quitting because lottery funding for projects has run out.

Don Brown, 47, is leaving Hove YMCA tomorrow after 15 years of service.

But he leaves the organisation thriving compared to when he first arrived as a part-time youth worker.

Three months after he started, everybody else was made redundant, leaving only himself and one other member of staff working in the centre in Marmion Road, Hove.

Now the organisation employs more than 100 staff across Brighton and Hove and runs projects and numerous centres in the area for people up to the age of 25.

Mr Brown said: "I'm incredibly proud of what Hove YMCA has done and what the young people have achieved.

"I had a youth worker who cared for me when I was younger and got me out of a fix and all I've tried to do is carry that on."

Early achievements include a month-long broadcasting of YFM to mark the organisation's 150th anniversary.

He worked intensively on drug prevention work, with a four-year drug-mentoring project with 40 young people.

He also interviewed young heroin users and compiled a report which led to social services and other organisations taking steps to become more accessible to help young users give up.

He co-ordinated a Hove YMCA trip to the YMCA in Gambia, which has left a lasting impression on the 14 11-to 17-year-olds who had to fund-raise for the trip in 2002.

As community development officer for the last four years, he has developed the Portslade and Clarendon area, including Poet's Corner in Hove.

He led the transformation of Stoneham Park, in Marmion Road, from a rundown area for drug users into the second most popular park in the city.

Community groups are now running themselves to provide activities, meeting points for the whole community and forums to discuss local issues.

He intends to become a full-time foster carer and believes most of his YMCA work had reached its natural end because the projects envisaged are up and running.

He said: "Even though I'm leaving I'll still be around to give advice because I'm still passionate about the area.

"Poet's Corner has become an in-place to live because people have worked hard to make it like that and as long as the community pulls together it will continue to develop."

YMCA Hove chief executive David Standing said: "We're all so grateful to Don for all he has achieved and for the legacy he has left. It's a legacy for which Don can be proud."

Don's farewell party is being held at the centre in Marmion Road at 4pm tomorrow.