A COMMUNITY centre will celebrate its first birthday with a packed schedule of events.

The Malvern Vale facility opened its doors for the first time on January 28 last year and a birthday bonanza will be held on Saturday (February 15) when people are invited to attend from noon to 2pm and browse a range of stalls and entertainment.

Visitors can enjoy cake, refreshments, bouncy castle and even have their face painted during the free eventfor all the family.

Councillor Phil Grove, portfolio holder for community services at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “This is a fantastic facility which has come about through excellent partnership working and it’s been a pleasure working with our partners on such an exciting project.

"The centre is really versatile and serves as a hub for the whole community. Events have been held at the centre throughout the year and already showed that residents and people from the neighbouring area are thrilled to have this sort of facility on their doorstep.”

Duncan Berry, chief executive for the YMCA who manage the centre on behalf of the council, said: “It’s been exciting working with Malvern Hills District Council and our other partners over the past year to strengthen the YMCA’s presence in Malvern. Its very rewarding to be able to open the doors of such a first class facility to the local community and offer them such a wide range of opportunities right on their doorstep”

The centre offers a programme of activities including baby sensory classes, yoga, boxfit and camera clubs, seasonal events and quiz nights.