A TRANSFORMED youth and community centre has opened in Brading.

The refurbished Brading Youth and Community Centre has been transformed thanks to a campaign by local volunteers from the Brading Community Partnership to raise money to overhaul and upgrade the vital community hub.

Brading mayor, Julie Smith, opened the centre on Saturday, April 27. She said: “I would like to thank the volunteers, trustees and all those who supported the project financially. The centre has added to the existing organisations in Brading, providing a place for our young people and wider community to meet together.”

Island MP Bob Seely hailed it as a triumph for local voluntary enterprise.

Mr Seely said: “This is a fantastic place for Brading’s young people and wider community to get together. Congratulations must go to the Brading community and everyone involved in this amazing effort.

“The voluntary sector is critical to the Island and Brading should be proud of those many volunteers who supported the project. The new centre is a triumph for volunteering and community spirit.”

The refurbishments included upgrading the kitchen to provide disabled access, new windows and general maintenance.

It was paid for with contributions from local organisations including the Island Roads' Foundation and Southern Housing Group.

Volunteers secured other funding for the project from organisations including Wight Aid, The Daisie Rich Trust, Lake and Shanklin Lions, Vectis Sunrise Newport Rotary Club, The Phoenix Choir, Brading residents and Island businesses.

Brading Town Council will provide a grant each year to help keep the centre open.