YOUNGSTERS and groups came together to celebrate the relaunch of a Kidderminster community centre.

Dowles Road Community Centre now has a new image and the relaunch celebrated the increasing use of the facility and its outreach to the local area.

Under the YMCA’s management, the centre, now called The Y Centre, has been transformed into a safe place where youngsters can meet their friends and take part in fun activities.

About 300 people attended the reopening, including information groups, such as Wyre Forest Youth Support, Tree Tops Children’s Centre and Community Action Wyre Forest.

They took part in pool competitions, break dancing tuition, karaoke, street football and a disco at the event.

It was organised by youth centre members, Aaron Bannister, 17, Kelly Pooler, 18, Chanice Lambert, 17 and Estelle Smith, 12.

Aaron said: “I was thrilled to see so many people at the event who were clearly enjoying themselves.

“Helping to organise this day was a great opportunity for me to put something back into the estate after I have taken so much from it in recent years.

“I am overjoyed to be a part of this facility’s transformation and to be working with the centre’s youth workers, Nina Hall and Steve Frost, who are a real support to so many young people.”

Jeff Robinson, YMCA’s representative, said: “This event was a real credit to these young people.

“It was amazing to see how they co-ordinated and managed the many different activities to put in this celebratory event.”

A range of youth and family groups are currently being provided at the centre.

Thursday evenings are being devoted to youth activities, while Friday afternoons will be dedicated to family sessions, such as messy play.

Further information about events at The Y Centre can be obtained by contacting 0772 542 1661.