A COMMUNITY centre funded by ten years of work by locals has been honoured by the Queen.

Helpers at the Colehill and Wimborne Youth and Community Centre – also known as the Reef – have been recognised with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The citation reads: “Providing a community centre, inspiring young people to be the best they can.”

David Torring, chair of trustees for the centre, said he was “very proud” of the team behind the centre.

“We are very proud and privileged to receive this award,” Mr Torring said.

“I wish to thank all of our volunteers who have made this award a reality.

“You have enabled us to build and run this lovely space which has become a successful community centre and vibrant youth club.”

The award was presented by Angus Campbell, Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, accompanied by Marilyn Porter MVO, deputy clerk to the lieutenancy, and the Lord-Lieutenant’s cadet, Sergeant Major Lily Tointon.

The Reef was officially opened in September 2016.

Fundraisers received donations of £500,000 over a decade to build the facility in Colehill. Many volunteers also made cakes and participated in bike rides, runs and fashion shows in order to raise the necessary funds.

Co-director of the Colehill and Wimborne Youth and Community Centre charity, Susan Davies, said the charity even encouraged residents to take part in their ‘buy a roof tile’ scheme to raise funds.

The appeal was so successful that volunteers made enough money to re-tile he roof ten times.

Support was given by the Colehill Parish Council, Wimborne Town Council and the then-East Dorset District Council and Dorset County Council, as well as a range of charitable trusts.

The two-storey centre boasts a large sports hall downstairs, a cafe bistro big enough for 60 people upstairs and a soft play area for the little ones.

It now provides schemes such as Dorset Awards and ASDAN Awards to help young people promote their skill and abilities to future employers, colleges and grammar schools.

The ASDAN helps young people with GCSE and A-Level equivalent qualifications.

The Reef Youth Club meets three times a week for children in year groups six to 11 .

For more information, or to get involved, visit reefcc.org