WHITEFIELD woman Mavis Warner, who played a vital role in writing a new chapter for a forgotten and empty community centre, now has her own success story to tell.

The 65-year-old worked tirelessly to revive the closed Elms Community Centre and since its re-opening has been responsible for putting the premises back into the heart of the area.

Now, to mark her unstinting work and dedication, Mavis has been presented with Groundwork Bury's Outstanding Individual of the Year Community award.

She is vice-chairman of the Elms Tenants' and Residents' Association (TRA) which has been instrumental in transforming the Green Lane centre into a busy and thriving venue for local people of all ages.

Mavis said: "We wanted somewhere to meet and found out this building was empty. We had meetings with Bury Council who said if we would maintain the building inside, they would be responsible for the upkeep outside."

With little funds at their disposal, the TRA secured £400 worth of free paint, free glazing and had a new kitchen installed at no cost. TRA committee members Vera and Eddie Berry, treasurer Margaret Fletcher and chairman Brian Scott joined Mavis in pulling out all the stops to complete the refurbishment.

Their efforts were rewarded when the revamped Elms Community Centre opened its doors in October 2003 after being shut for three years. Mavis, of Malton Close, then launched the Young at Heart Club which meets twice a week at the premises, providing pensioners with bingo and dominoes.

She added: "We also have Thursday lunches for around 30-35 elderly people and an X Factor childrens club which meets Tuesdays and Thursdays. On top of that, we hire out the centre for such things as family parties and discos. Its really thriving now - it was just what the community needed and its brought everyone together."

To extend the centre's services, Mavis has created a community education project with help from Bury Lifelong Services which has provided computer equipment and teachers.

In her role with the TRA, Mavis takes up the complaints and problems of Elms residents and is also an active member of the Whitefield and Unsworth area board and its youth action group.

The pensioner, who used to work in social services in London, is modest about her award which recognises her as a true community champion. "I didn't expect it there are people doing a much more worthwhile job than me. But this award is for everyone on the TRA committee. "