THE Mayor of Winchester attended a launch event for a Community centre in Winnall following a week of activities spearheaded by pupils from a Winchester school.

Twenty-five Year 11 girls from St Swithun’s School helped re-launch the UNIT 12 community centre in Winnall as part of a three-day project organised by Community First’s Volunteer Service.

The recently renovated centre in Winnall Valley Road, which provides activities for eight-18 year olds and elderly residents, features a café, activity rooms, dance studio, a meeting room, and garden with barbecue.

Louise Todino, director at UNIT 12, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working in partnership with Community First and St Swithun’s to open our doors to the public to see what we do here.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all 25 girls from St Swithun’s who have given up their precious time to help out with the activities for the launch. They have been absolutely amazing.”

Activities over the three days included pamper sessions, first aid training, walking football, gardening, yoga, table tennis, social media training and music workshops.

Among the highlights over the three days were visits from Winnall Primary school children where three different year groups took part in a music and dance workshop.

Robin Williams, local resident and parent of Daisy from Year 3, said: “I’ve enjoyed spending time with my daughter, Daisy, at UNIT 12 today.

“It’s great that they are trying to bring together different sections of the community to find out what’s going on at the Centre.”