SHADOW foreign secretary Michael Ancram was the guest of honour at the official opening of Ludgershall's new youth centre. The plan to convert the former boys club building in Andover Road into a modern youth club run by Wiltshire County Council was hatched back in 1998 but those behind the idea have been frustrated by official red tape. To bring about the transfer the trustees of the building needed the blessing of the Charity Commissio-ners but things were getting nowhere until Mr Ancram became involved. Trustee John Newman has been with the club since 1974. He said: "We weren't getting very far so I asked Michael Ancram to come and see us to see the situation for himself. "After he sent a letter to the commissioners things started to move and I doubt whether we would be where we are today unless he had become involved." County councillor Mark Connolly, said: "There were some very dark days and at some times I didn't think we would be able to overcome the problems." Wiltshire cabinet member for education and youth, William Snow was also at the opening. He said: "We should recognise how important it is to get our youth into youth organisations, which will give them the basis to build on." Michael Ancram, whose sprawling Devizes constituency includes Ludgershall, said he was delighted to be at the official opening and to have been able to help. "This will be an enormous asset to the community. "It is vital young people have somewhere to go and something to do," he said. The MP also showed off his table football skills. "When I was young I suffered from asthma and was sent to school in Switzerland where baby football was an official school sport," he explained. The centre will be open on Monday and Wednesdays.