A TOP chef opened the new kitchen of a community centre in Christchurch following a major renovation.

Alex Aitken, chef patron at Christchurch Harbour Hotel’s The Jetty restaurant, officially opened the new kitchen extension at Mudeford Wood Community Centre.

Representatives from building sponsors Spectrum Property, Hall and Woodhouse, the Talbot Village Trust, SAMRA and councillors and staff of Christchurch Borough Council turned out at the grand opening to see Mr Aitken cut the ribbon, alongside centre volunteers and trustees who have worked tirelessly to make the refurbishment plans a reality.

The kitchen extension and modernisation is just the first part of a three stage refurbishment plan for Mudeford Wood Community Centre.

Local volunteers and residents took over the running of the charitable trust just over 18 months ago after a battle to save the popular community hub from closure.

Chairman of Mudeford Wood Community Trust Dawn Brookes said: “We are so grateful to our sponsors for their donations which have enabled us to rebuild and modernise our kitchen.

“The benefits are already being felt by user groups.

“In addition to our sponsors, we would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the companies who supplied discounted goods or services including Spectrum Property Care, Purewell Electrical, Aspire Architects, N B Mills builders and a special thank you goes to Alex Aitken for cutting the ribbon today.”

Money was raised through events and coffee mornings, organised by the trustees.