A TREASURED community hub has been given a new lease of life thanks to a £250,000 refurbishment.

Elms Community Centre in Green Lane, Whitefield, hosts dozens of weekly activities, from a Thursday luncheon club to a Saturday movie showing, but the building was in drastic need of some tender loving care.

Supporters had been trying for more than a decade to secure the cash needed for repairs, but were unable to get hold of the funds needed to fix the roof.

However, things changed once Bury Council's adult care services brought a group of adults with learning difficulties to the centre.

"They loved it right away and mixed with other people at the centre, and joined in with the luncheon club, the exercise class and the painting group," said Unsworth Cllr Joan Grimshaw, who volunteers at the centre.

She added: "It worked really well and, now, a second group comes in and that is working just as well."

Last year, the council decided to boost facilities at the centre by spending £250,000 on a refurbishment between June and December.

It paid for new flooring in the main room, new toilets and a kitchen makeover, new windows and brickwork and better lighting and security.

Most importantly, Cllr Grimshaw said, the roof has been replaced.

"It was letting in water for many years and was in desperate need of replacing," she added.

The centre, which is self-managed and supported by volunteers and local councillors, has also been given a helping hand by Six Town Housing, whose staff help out at the centre.

Six Town Housing has also offered to hand out hundreds of leaflets promoting the centre to homes across Whitefield.

The centre's treasurer Margaret Fletcher said: "We are delighted with the work.

"We have a lovely atmosphere at the centre, but the new facilities has made it all the better.

"It's warmer, more comfortable and everyone loves it. It is something we could have never afforded to do without the council's help."

The council's adult care representative, Cllr Andrea Simpson, said: "We wanted to bring the centre up to a decent standard for people with learning disabilities who access the council's services, and other visitors.

"It is great for the community and hopefully more people will want to hire out the centre now."

The newly refurbished centre will be officially opened at an open day on Sunday, starting at noon.

The Mayor of Bury, Cllr Stella Smith, will do the honours and Bury South MP Ivan Lewis will be among the special guests to attend.

The centre is looking for volunteers and anyone interested can call 0161 767 9233 or go along on Sunday.

The main room is available for hire for children's parties, functions and social groups.