A FORMER disused youth club building has been given a new lease of life thanks to the work of local charities and volunteers.

The project to refurbish a former youth building in Olive Road in Coxford, Southampton, began almost six months ago.

Now it has been reopened to once again be used by young people in the community.

Tim Jobling, trustee for Barker-Mill Estates and project sponsor, opened the newly refurbished Oasis Lord’s Hill Youth Centre Coxford, in the presence of invited guests including Saints and US under-21 goalkeeper Coady Cropper.

Daily Echo: Saints and US under-21 goalkeeper Coady Cropper plays table football with Liam Joyner-Smith and Christianne Shaw.

Youth Options, one of Hampshire’s leading charities working with young people and children, in partnership with the Lordshill Youth Project will now run youth sessions in the buildings every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings, with plans being developed for after-school clubs and holiday activity camps.

Director of community services for Oasis Lord’s Hill, Kate Bulpit, said: “This project has been a great joint effort from so many local people and organisations determined to give local young people a youth club on this site again.”