A DILAPIDATED school canteen has been turned into a community centre.

Halebank Youth Club in Baguley Avenue was bequeathed to the children of Halebank by a local couple.

Flo Woodward, who passed away recently, and her husband, John, of Halebank Road, bought the property many years ago from Lancashire County Council.

A celebration was held on Friday as the Mayor of Halton, Clr Tom McInerney opened the new look centre, extensively renovated thanks to grants from Wren, area forums, Halton Housing Trust, the Masons and Croda.

Colin Rowan, a member of the management committee, said: “The children of the club own the building.

“It can now be used by very small children up to teenagers and for local pensioners.

“It has become a community centre for Halebank.”

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

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