A FORMER youth club at Poole's Branksome Recreation Ground will soon reopen as a 'community hub'.

The Parkstone Sports and Arts Centre for Young People closed in March, last year, due to lack of funding.

However, the charity Poole Communities Trust has since signed a new lease with Borough of Poole (BOP) to operate the building, which will be called The Branksome Centre.

Refurbishment work should be completed in time for the building to open in May.

Poole Communities Trust development officer Chris Mills said: "This is a really exciting new venture for us. The Branksome Centre will make a positive difference to the local community, helping people to get active, keep learning and make friends.

"We are working in partnership with a range of different organisations to deliver a varied programme of activities from the centre - there will be opportunities for people of all ages to participate."

Activities will take place after school and in the evenings. A range of daytime activities, including walking football, a board games club and short-mat bowls, are also planned for the site.

BOP community development manager Chas Rowling said: "We were impressed by Poole Communities Trust’s vision for the centre and it will be great to see a vibrant community hub serving the north-east area of Poole."

Visit poolecommunitiestrust.org.uk for further information.