A YOUNG Rotarian at the forefront of flagship Hampshire education centre promoting world peace has staged his opening bash.

Civic leaders joined Luke Addison as he launched his new community hub dedicated to spreading the word of peace and harmony.

As previously reported the Winchester University student got the idea after meeting with Archbishop Desmond Tutu at an International Peace Conference in June.

The event, held in Monaco, was organised by international peace education programme PeaceJam.

Luke hosted the first Winchester PeaceJam conference at Winchester University on Sunday – International Day of Peace – featuring the exclusive screening of a film of Archbishop Tutu’s life-story.

Luke is halfway to raising £40,000 towards the cost of funding his project to host regular conferences aimed at young people in Hampshire and featuring visits from leading human rights figureheads.

It will be based on a similar hub in Bradford and will operate for at least four days a week for a three-year trial period.

The university had underwritten £15,000 to support the first conference and Luke also received funds from Winchester Rotary Club, where he leads young person’s wing Roteract.

Luke, 21, said: “It’s so exciting and refreshing to start this up.

“I’m very grateful to the university and all those who have supported me.

“It’s going to have huge benefits for people and youngsters living in Hampshire to help support peace and international fellowship.

“It’s hugely relevant that it began this year when there are so many conflicts in the world.”

He stressed the centre is a-political with no religious leanings, and urged local businesses, organisations and community groups to get involved in fundraising and offering their experience and expertise to the project.

A university spokeswoman said: “We are deeply committed to the advancement of peace.

“We welcome the establishment of PeaceJam Winchester as the South of England PeaceJam Hub, and hope it has a deep and positive impact upon young people in Winchester and beyond.”

Email addi_570@hotmail.com to donate or get involved.