A DILAPIDATED former school canteen has been transformed into a vibrant Widnes community centre.

Halebank Youth Club in Baguley Avenue is celebrating after receiving an extensive makeover.

The building now has a new roof, new floor and the layout has been re-designed to create much more flexible space.

It was bought from Lancashire County Council by local couple Flo and John Woodward, of Halebank Road, to provide activities for children in Halebank.

It is managed by volunteers and a management committee who secured a landfill communities fund grant administered by Wren, through Halton Council’s external funding team.

Halton Housing Trust and Halebank area forum also contributed towards the project.

Richard Smith, grant manager for Wren, said: “Wren aims to provide funding to projects that make a positive difference to local communities.

“The commitment shown by Halebank youth club to improve facilities for all members of the community is excellent.

“I am sure that the refurbished building will be very well used and enjoyed by many people for a long time to come.”

New windows, doors, kitchen units, toilets and improved heating had already been installed through fundraising activities and previous grants.

A wide variety of local people, including pre-school groups, bingo and lunch clubs, now use the youth club.

Many other organisations plan to share the facilities.

It can also be used for private functions such as birthday parties, anniversary celebrations and receptions.

Anyone wishing to book the club can call Berni Allen on 0151 423 1780.

A lunch to mark the official reopening will be held next month.