STREETBRAND, a Christian youth culture magazine that originally made an appearance in 2004, has re-launched this week with "a fresher look and a new direction".

The magazine is directed primarily at young Christian adults, and its makers have said that its re-release will see it come back stronger and intent on making an impression.

It is being promoted as the first faith-based digital youth culture magazine to launch in the UK.

A press release has said the "design is engaging and its articles are relevant so that both people in faith and out of the Christian faith, can pick it up and thoroughly be enlightened, inspired and entertained".

Writing in the editorial pages, Kofo Baptist, editor of the magazine explains, "About five years ago, I got the idea to do a faith-based youth culture magazine; a publication that would be more than just a good read. I was tired of seeing boy/girl crazed, sex-oriented magazines with little to say to young people about achievement, purpose, spirituality or the importance of having a voice on critical issues of concern.

"I wanted to create a magazine that young people would want to read; a spiritually, morally and socially disciplined magazine that would also be somewhere they could go to for the total youth experience from music to fashion, fitness and lifestyle.

"I wanted a magazine that could balance out the negativity of today's society; a magazine that would meet them where they are with a clean message. I wanted a magazine that would cater for the interest of our readers and their enthusiasm for all areas of culture, a publication that could sit comfortably on the shelves of high street stores, beside big glossies published by household names."

He added: "STREETBRAND was that magazine, and when it launched back in 2004, it generated a huge amount of interest. However, timing, support and finances all played a part in its early demise."

Now in 2007, the magazine has re-launched as a digital magazine, and it will offer readers a free subscription to access the contents.

Kofo has said, "Our readers can find out why we think the Four Kornerz brothers are a hot commodity, get up close and personal with former American Idol contestant Mandisa, read all about UK trio Blush UK, get beauty and grooming secrets from Rachael Lampa and Premier Radio presenter Muyiwa plus lots of new music, films and books.

"We also examine what's hot in fashion and bring the latest in trends and style for girls and guys. And it's not all about entertainment and fashion; we get serious too looking at the reality of diabetes and what our readers can do about it, how young people can do their bit to end child poverty, give them some spiritual offerings for consideration and nip the issue of sex in the bud (is no sex the new sex?). Plus travel, health, career and lots more."

Kay, a teenager says about STREETBRAND, "I'm really impressed. I must say that I don't think I've ever read a Christian magazine that dealt with every aspect of teenage life including fashion. Most of the Christian ones I've seen go in depth about Christianity so much so that it even gets boring at times. This (STREETBRAND) actually looks cool."

The magazine can be visited online at www.streetbrand.com