IT has been 60 years since the final touches were made to a Hampshire community centre, and now the locals have celebrated the milestone birthday.

In true 1950s fashion a black tie dinner-dance was held to mark the anniversary, including a performance from the Spitfire Sisters and their six-piece band.

Weeke Community Centre, in Winchester, is run by volunteers, and caters for all age groups with local clubs and societies based there.

Gary Parfitt, 68, of Taplings Road, was among those who helped build it.

He said: “I was up there when I was just eight years old. It’s always been a happy memory for me because my friends and relatives come up there and we always have a great time. It is so well run.”

Daily Echo:

Weeke Community Centre under construction 60 years ago

The retired railway worker said he would often go to the centre with his mother Ruth, now 92, and his father William, who passed away seven years ago.

At the dance he was joined by other members who helped build it and mayor of Winchester Cllr Eileen Berry.

Organisers collected donations for the raffle from Costa Coffee, Waitrose, Coral and Winchester Automatics.

Daily Echo:

Centre manager Gemma North said: “We would like to thank the North Winchester Community Church for all their help in preparation, local businesses and the previous and current committee and all the members for continuing to support the centre.

“It was a great evening and everyone had a great time. Here is to another 60 years!”