A £1.2M youth centre dream will start to become a reality today for youngsters in Hartlepool when work begins on a long-awaited project.

Contractors will begin to restore the derelict former Golden Anchor pub, in Abbey Street, and convert it into a centre for leisure and training activities for young people over the age of 13.

When the six-month project is finished, the three-storey building will include a fitness suite with a multi-gym, a cafe and an Internet and computer room.

It will also feature a stage, dance floor, non-alcoholic bar and comprehensive access for the disabled.

Called the Abbey Street Project, it is the idea of Headland Future, a charity which arranges training and leisure activities for young people in north Hartlepool.

The project has been made possible thanks to the support of a wide range of organisations, including a £441,550 grant from the Community Fund in the North-East.

The North Hartlepool Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) Partnership has given £110,000 while another £120,000 towards the total cost has been raised thanks to contributions from Hartlepool Health Action Zone.

Ian Finnigan, Headland Future's development officer, said: "It has been a long, hard road trying to get the Abbey Street Project off the ground, but we are delighted that we can now see the work start on the conversion and improvement of the building.

"This is something which young people can identify with and have a real involvement in, and I hope all youngsters in the area will take great pride in it.

"When the Golden Anchor pub was built, it was a time of prosperity on the Headland. This refurbishment of the building helps signal a new era of regeneration."

The centre will be open to youngsters from Monday to Saturday, closing at 10.15pm, and it will also be available for use by the general public during school hours.

Councillor Edna Wright, chairwoman of the North Hartlepool Partnership, said: "This is an exciting day for young people in the area, and I hope that they will make the best possible use of this excellent new youth centre once it opens its doors.