A COMMUNITY centre has won Government approval after playing host to a couple of VIP guests.

Cabinet Office Minister, Lord Falconer, was joined by St Helens North MP Dave Watts on a tour of Newton Community Centre and hailed the efforts of volunteers at the Park Road South centre as a shining example of work in the community.

During his visit, the Minister praised the work of volunteers he met and was impressed by the range of activities available at the centre.

He also attended an aromatherapy class, met students who had completed a CLAIT computer course and demonstrated his own artistic abilities in an arts and crafts class for adults with learning disabilities.

Lord Falconer, who spent two hours at the centre, described the atmosphere as "warm and friendly", while Dave Watts said it was "one of the most successful community associations in the borough."

Anne Keen, centre co-ordinator, declared the day a great success, saying: "Lord Falconer was charming, extremely approachable and laid-back."

More than 60 volunteers work at the centre, providing an invaluable service for the community. Volunteers are taken on irrespective of age or ability -- current recruits' ages range from 14 to 78! And they help to organise activities such as after-school clubs, adult education courses and internet courses.

Last year, the centre was visited by more than 40,000 residents. Anne added: "This is a real community centre in the true sense of the word -- it is run by the community, for the community."