THE opening of a purpose-built £385,000 community centre on Teesside has been celebrated after 15 years' hard work by residents.

The Breckon Hill Community Association has worked to secure funding for the community centre through the European Regional Development Fund and the National Lottery.

Middlesbrough FC striker Joseph-Desire Job and a band of African drummers were on hand to open the centre yesterday.

Community association chairman Councilllor Ron Regan, said: "The fact we have this first-class facility on our doorstep is down to the hard work of residents."

Centre manger Amanda Buck said: "Seeing the centre up and running has given the whole community a boost."