These Sidmouth hoodies are goodies

MEMBERS of Sidmouth Youth Council have joined the hoodie brigade and hope to prove you can wear one without being a hoodlum.

MEMBERS of Sidmouth Youth Council have joined the hoodie brigade and hope to prove you can wear one without being a hoodlum.

A batch of 25 black sweatshirts have been donated by a Sidmouth businessman; who does not want to be named, which sport an SYC logo designed by the youngsters, a blue smiley face and the words We Love You.

Area youth worker Mark Gerry said: "The businessman was greatly impressed by what the Youth Council has done so far in the locality, such as the clean-ups and serving cream teas to older residents.

"He wanted to give them some form of recognition and with the logo they designed, the hoodies will give them a sense of identity and belonging.

"The idea of them is to raise awareness in the Sidmouth community that young people are not bad because they are in hoodies."

Caitlin Bowkett, newly elected YC chairman, said: "I wear mine all the time. We all voted whether to have black or blue tops and came up with our own logo.

"We were trying to get a connection between older and younger residents and wanted a catchphrase to make someone smile.

"Then we decided just to put a smiley face on because that does make you smile."

The links in the logo form the SYC initials.

Mr Gerry wears his sweatshirt to Sidmouth College and to council meetings.

Councillor Ann Liverton, who represents the town council at YC meetings, showed one to colleagues at November's monthly meeting.

She said: "It is lovely. I've never had a hoodie before. It is a good thing for the Youth Council to get an image and a challenge to see young people can wear hoodies and really be very nice.