THIS Friday sees the official opening of the Starlight Café and Community Centre in Charford.

The venue, previously known as the Trunk Community Centre, has been renovated, along with the adjacent cafe, by bdht, and the two are set to reopen as a new neighbourhood hotspot.

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 when it closed. 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.”

The new Starlight Community Centre plans to hold IT classes, a craft club, and social sessions for adults with learning difficulties, as well as hosting CAB Gateway advisors to offer free, confidential advice to people.

Ms Green added: “We hope the classes and sessions will be popular and the centre can thrive. We are also encouraging other organisations to get in touch if they would like to offer services or run courses from the community centre. The Starlight Café and Community Centre is only able to run with the help of volunteers so if anyone is keen to help in the café or centre, please let us know.”

The Starlight Community Centre is launching with an Easter egg hunt, games and competitions, and craft activities for children on Friday, April 25 from 11am.

For more information on the activities available at the centre, or to volunteer or offer community courses, contact Darran Moore, the Starlight Community Centre manager on 01527 833886.