A LONG-awaited £1m community pavilion in the centre of Southampton has finally opened its doors.

Hampshire athlete Iwan Thomas cut the ribbon at the official opening of the Mansel Park Pavilion in Millbrook ).

The state-of-the-art pavilion, which was five years in the making, will now be home to Golden Ring Amateur Boxing Club, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Youth Options and Millbrook Towers and District Community Association.

Other groups already benefiting from the pavilion include Friends of Mansel Park, an over 50s club, a ballroom dancing club, a Taekwondo club and South-ampton Day Services.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Iwan said the Evenlode Road pavilion, known as MP3, was a positive boost for Southampton youngsters.

He said: "Hopefully the pavilion will make a real difference for kids in the area.

"Anything that gives them a chance to get off the streets and channel their energy into something positive is brilliant."

The pavilion, completed in October, was the final project of the Outer Shirley Regeneration Programme, and was funded by SEEDA and Sport England with additional support from Southampton City Council.

It includes many features and additions specifically requested by the local community, including a community hall and a boxing ring.