A hard-working group of residents in Wymondham have breathed new life into their local community centre which was under threat of closure due to lack of use and volunteers.

Owner Saffron Housing Trust warned at the start of the year that the Silfield Centre, in Green Lane, would be turned into flats if no-one came forward to manage it following the departure of previous volunteers.

The appeal prompted the formation a new residents' association, called the Silfield Residents' Action Committee, who since June have transformed the neglected centre - made up of two rooms - into a welcoming space with the help of a few licks of paint.

The gardens attached to the rooms have also been treated to a makeover with new outdoor furniture and turf.

On Saturday the team opened the centre's doors to the public and invited people to come forward with ideas for its future use.

Wymondham Town Mayor Neil Ward, who lives in nearby Silfied Road, was on hand to cut the centre's red ribbon.

Duncan Stallard, chairman of the Silfield Residents' Action Committee, said the centre's closure would have robbed the Silfield area of one of it's last community facilities.

'We want to make people aware that the Silfield Centre is here and it's available for people to use. We want to build it up and make it a friendly space where people can be entertained and their needs and wants met in a focal social meeting place,' he said.

Suggestions for the centre's use so far have included a coffee shop, job club, music events and making it available for private hire.

Mr Ward added: 'The team should be commended. It's hard to get things up and running. As a town council we are fully supportive of them and we wish them the best of success.'

To get in touch with the committee, email Duncan Stallard on duncansrac@live.co.uk or treasurer Rachel James on little_one_rach@hotmail.co.uk