Unite, the UK's largest union, is opening a community centre in Great Yarmouth.

The centre, which will be based at the Herois do Mar Community Centre in Broad Row, is officially launching on Saturday, from 8pm and 10pm, before opening its doors to the public from 10am to 4pm every Thursday.

With thousands of people unemployed in Yarmouth and over 11 per cent of young people in the town out of work, Unite said the centre's services will be a 'vital resource' for a community hit hard by government's cuts to services and social security payments.

Unite regional community coordinator Pilgrim Tucker said: 'I am pleased that we are opening this centre in Yarmouth where the local community is in great need of support and centre will go some way to providing that assistance.

'Our experience of working with local groups and individuals ensures that issues which matter to people are campaigned for. The centre will become a focal point for making those changes.'

The centre will, he said, provide a place for people to learn new skills, get support with welfare problems and look for work. The union hope it will eventually become a hub for the community to campaign on local issues including welfare changes.