A COMMUNITY centre, which will open the door on a range of new opportunities for people in Hartlepool, is almost completed.

The Community Initiatives Centre will provide a variety of facilities for people from the Central Estate in the town.

The £800,000 centre is a flagship scheme of the North Hartlepool partnership and was developed by the Central Residents' Association.

It includes a caf, main hall, fitness room, IT suite and a creche and is due to open early in the new year.

Ena Savage, chairwoman of the residents' association said: "The centre will make a big difference to local residents of all ages, it will be a focal point for the whole community."

The centre was built with funding from organisations including the North Hartlepool Partnership, the European Regional Development Fund, Hartlepool Council and the National Lottery.