A RENOVATED Salvation Army centre is celebrating its first week of activities since it re-opened in the heart of a Worcester community.

A barbecue, party and balloon release marked the official opening of the hall, in Ronkswood, last Monday, after a 12-month, £120,000 facelift.

Although the facilities, off Lichfield Avenue, will not be fully operational until November, residents have been given a taste of the things to come in this first week.

Pensioners are already using the CAMEO - "Come And Meet Each Other" - service as a means to get out of the house and play a fuller part in the community.

Music events and painting programmes for the estate's youngsters were also a success, with around 15 budding Picassos popping in to use the facilities.

According to Salvation Army officer Linda Cunliffe, the signs are looking good for expanding the services in the future.

"At the moment, the centre is only open on Tuesday afternoons, but eventually we will be looking to offer a full and broad range of activities," she said.

"We hope to provide an after-school club, drop-in centre and weekend clubs, and possibly look into providing a facility for hot meals."

Mrs Cunliffe said the aim was to work closely with nearby St Matthew's Church and Ronkswood Community Centre to provide the best possible services.

The first combined event will be a Songs of Praise concert with the Salvation Army band at St Matthew's Church this Sunday, at 6pm.