On Wednesday the team of volunteers celebrated the official opening of Footsteps following massive structural alterations which will enable them to offer even more for residents of all ages.

A grant of £112,000 from the Big Lottery Fund was used for the alterations and Amanda Miller, the Regional Communications Director of the Big Lottery Fund was on hand to declare the centre officially open.

The funding paid for the extensive structural work to be carried out to the Market Street premises including lift access to all floors, new toilet facilities including a disabled toilet, and a new basement area which will have a variety of uses including a youth drop-in centre.

Among those to make use of the improved facilities at the official opening were Anne Park, who is confined to a wheelchair, and her mother Marion who is 100 years old.

They were delighted to be the first visitors to the centre to be invited to commission the new lift.

Anne said that Footsteps was the only place in Whaley Bridge where disabled people could enjoy a cup of tea and not feel restricted in their ability to join in.

Nye Rowlands from Whaley Bridge Community Trust said Footsteps had proved what local people could achieve for their fellow residents.

"I hope that the Whaley Bridge Community Trust will now go on to new and exciting projects."