On Saturday the doors of the new Tudorville and District Community Centre (TDCC) opened and crowds of people, who have supported the efforts to turn a dingy and difficult-to-use space into a light, bright community centre, were there.

The transformation of the former Youth Centre into the TDCC is a triumph for all the people who have worked on this project. But the real cause for celebration was the way so many people have worked together to achieve it.

A year ago the Youth Centre was deemed surplus to requirements by Herefordshire Council and looked set to close. But local people did not accept this news. They took over the building and responded with energy and determination to turn it into a community centre.

A dedicated management committee, made up of local people, was formed and the hard work began. From fundraising to plastering, offers of help flooded in.

Kevin Scotford, who came to see the opening said he was a staunch supporter of the centre. He said:?"This has brought neighbours together as friends and turned the community into a big family." Read the full report in this week's Ross Gazette.