A hugely respected youth club leader is being forced out of the club she has led for almost four decades because the children are too well behaved.

Pat Lewis has worked at Banstead Youth Club in the Horseshoe, Banstead for 38 years and was made an MBE for services to young people.

But now cash-strapped Surrey County Council wants to move her to Epsom because Banstead's youngsters do not fit its criteria because they do not have as many problems as young people in other areas.

Club members are fighting back with a petition to save Ms Lewis and the club itself. Maisie Wright and Ben Graham, both 16, are among more than 100 young people who belong to the club.

Miss Wright said: "We believe it is so important as without the youth club we would sit on the streets with our friends getting up to no good.

"Our petition is to get as many signatures as we can to show Surrey Council how much she means to this youth club and our community."

More than 350 people have already signed the petition which describes Ms Lewis' work as "truly invaluable".

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Along with generations of children, Caroline Bray went to the youth club as a girl and her 14-year-old son now goes there.

Ms Bray, who is a member of its steering committee, said they have been told verbally Ms Lewis will be moved to the Focus Youth Centre in Epsom in September.

She said if any other youth workers leave they will also not be replaced because Surrey County Council has decided that Banstead does not "fit the criteria" for youth work.

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She said: "We feel let down by Surrey. They are saying your kids do not behave badly so they don’t need youth work. We think it’s not good enough. We are all Surrey citizens and we are being left out.

"If you don’t behave you get everything. But if you do respect the community and are kind to your friends and peers you get nothing."

Although the members of the club do not get into trouble or commit crimes, she said they still need the youth club.

She said: "They have got different issues. I know some of the children are quite insular, but they go to the youth club and get involved in everything."

Councillor Sam Walsh, who represents Banstead Village on the borough council, said he heard the news from a mother who was collecting signatures on Saturday.

Coun Walsh said: "It was suggested that Pat would be moved to another region because Banstead was perceived as not having any issues."

He added: "To lose someone who has provided that much support to the community over the years would be a great loss.

"She has maintained a significant role in giving the youngsters of Banstead a particularly enjoyable period of time. We don't have any real youth problems as a result of what Pat does and the youth club does."

A county council spokesman said: "Pat Lewis has done a fantastic job at Banstead – her contribution has helped us to reduce those classed as NEETS to the lowest level in the country - and I’m sure will do equally sterling work in nearby Epsom.”

A NEET is a young person who is Not in Education, Employment, or Training.

Sign the petition at www.ipetitions.com/petition/save-pat-lewis-and-her-job-at-banstead-youth-club/