A NEW community centre has opened to Charford residents.

The Starlight Cafe and Community Centre in Humphrey Avenue, previously known as the Trunk Community Centre, opened on Friday, April 25.

The centre has been renovated by Bromsgrove District Housing Trust (BDHT), along with an adjacent cafe, with the two reopening as a new neighbourhood hotspot.

The centre is to hold IT classes, a craft club, and social sessions for adults with learning difficulties. It will also be hosting CAD Gateway advisors offering free, confidential advice to people.

The launch event featured an Easter egg hunt, games and competitions, and craft activities for children.

Marie Green, director of communities at BDHT, said: “The Trunk provided a place for local people to access computers, employment advice and general support, so it was a great loss to the community.

"We’re delighted to have been able to take over the running of the centre, as well as the café, to continue to provide these important services in Charford as well as a central place for people to meet locally.

“We hope the classes and sessions will be popular and the centre can thrive."

Groups and organisations are being encouraged to use the facility to offer services or run courses, while the centre is also appealing for volunteers to help staff run it.

For more details call Darran Moore, Starlight Community Centre's manager, on 01527 833886.