A Britain’s Got Talent singer has thrown his support behind youth clubs at risk of closure.

Harrison Pettman, from Gravesend, works part time at a club in his hometown and said they are a vital service for young people.

It comes as funding cuts will see the end of Kent County Council (KCC) subsidies for youth clubs and other activities currently commissioned by the authority but run by outside organisations.

“I was devastated when I heard,” Mr Pettman said. “My heart was broken. It’s so sad that young people are not going to have the opportunities that we were given.”

The 23-year-old said he started going to Northfleet Youth Club in Old Perry Street, Gravesend when he was just 11 years old before moving on to become a volunteer and a senior leader.

“I learned how to cook and got first aid certificates, all for free.

“The youth workers were fantastic. They basically raised me to be the successful and brave man that I have become.”

He later moved to The Grand and Gifted Young Gravesham (GYG) youth service in Wilfred Street, where he said he honed his singing craft before going on to start as a youth worker helping support the needs of adults and young people with projects ranging from free exercise to singing and mental health.

“They built me up to as a person and as an artist.

“They train you up for whatever it is you are interested in and want to do.”

Mr Pettman, who also works as security guard in Bluewater, said it is an important service to help guide youngsters in life and also stay connected with them.

“We are going to lose a lot of our connections with the younger generations over the coming years if we close all the youth clubs,” he added.

Cuts to funding for youth clubs is hoped to stave off the prospect of the county’s largest authority going to the wall, it has been claimed.

The GYG has only just secured a cash boost to allow it to continue after it was one such club threatened with closure.

Mr Pettman captured viewers’ hearts on this year’s Britain’s Got Talent when he stunned his parents, nan and brother when he suddenly appeared on stage, having been sat in the audience with them just moments earlier.

He got a standing ovation for his rendition of ‘With You’ from Ghost the Musical and walked away with four yeses from the judges.

But he is not the only singer with links to Gravesham to win acclaim on the show this season.

Sydnie Christmas was given the Golden Buzzer by judge Amanda Holden in last week’s show and marched straight through to the semi-final.

The 28-year-old vowed the judges with her rendition of “Tomorrow” from the musical Annie.