A YOUTH worker suspended from her duties at a Blandford community centre says she just wants to get on with her job.

Michelle Hepple, 38, of East Street, was suspended from her job at the Treads centre on February 7, but cannot say why.

Users of the centre have been campaigning for her reinstatement.

"I'm currently suspended and there's going to be a disciplinary hearing, but I'm fighting it," said Mrs Hepple.

"It was something I was good at. Treads increased its attendance by 400 per cent. It was turning into something very successful."

"We took the young people to the beach and on camping trips to broaden their horizons," she added.

Scores of people gathered outside the Salisbury Street youth centre in a recent protest to have Mrs Hepple reinstated.

"There was a great number of young people and their parents. I'm very grateful to them for all their support," said Mrs Hepple.

Campaigner Bridget Gillmon said her son Billy had been heartbroken by the suspension of Mrs Hepple.

"She's like a second mum. My son's self-esteem is just going. He had been helping with a camping trip," said Ms Gillmon.

Chloe Howell, 18, a former worker at the centre, said: "The children are suffering because Michelle is not there. It's almost as if the children have been forgotten."

Mark Williams, the chairman of the trust which supports Treads, said the centre remained open three nights a week.

"Clearly, we have had to have interim arrangements until the issue is resolved," said Mr Williams.

Dorset County Council says the confidential nature of its disciplinary procedures prevented the authority from discussing the case.