A new youth centre officially opened its doors in Lowestoft today.

And there was a real sense of pride among a group of teenagers from the town who have been involved in the project since it first began - as they admired the realisation of more than three years of hard work,

At the special launch event of The Junction - a one stop shop for young people in the Lowestoft town centre - stars from the Marina Theatre pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk lined up alongside district and county councillors, Waveney MP Peter Aldous and the youngsters to cut a ceremonial ribbon and mark the new centre open.

Lee Cuthbertson, a young member from The Junction's steering group, said: 'Its great to see this place open and I am proud of this building. Everything has gone through the young people and only a few of us have been involved from day one.'

Echoing these sentiments, councillor Graham Newman, Suffolk County Council's portfolio holder for children, schools and young people's services, said: 'This building is a great tribute to everyone that has been involved - and it is here to help young people in this town.'

The centre provides meeting rooms, and will serve as a base for charities and other groups offering advice and support to young people on a range of issues. The Junction is open Monday to Friday, from 1pm to 5pm.