A YOUTH group which began its life 28 years ago in a £400 double-decker bus has opened a £4.5m centre.

It is hoped Teesdale Community Resources’ centre, The Hub, in Barnard Castle, will attract visitors from across the county and beyond.

The centre, made possible thanks to a grant from the Government’s Myplace scheme, features a range of facilities, including a dance and drama space, music studio, spa and therapy rooms, a cafe and a garage.

There is also accommodation for more than 30 people in the eco-friendly building in Shaw Bank, off the A688, with groups from abroad already expressing an interest in staying there.

There is a kayak lake, BMX track, skate park, high ropes and picnic areas.

Yesterday, hundreds of people of all ages attended the official opening – which took place at 11.11am on 11.1.11.

The ribbon was cut by Lee Robinson, who was celebrating his 11th birthday, and Adam Porter, who won the honour in a draw of names of people who contributed to the Buy a Brick scheme.

For several years, Teesdale Community Resources operated out of a unit on the town’s Harmire Enterprise Park and has seen a number of schemes for centres fail.

However, The Hub, which was designed by community resources members, will bring a number of opportunities to the area.

Teesdale Community Resources member Rachel Harris, 17, from Barnard Castle, said: “Not only is this a place where people can come and relax and have a good time, it’s also somewhere people can learn new skills and improve their job opportunities.”

Keith Jones, chief executive of Teesdale Community Resources, worked with the young people to submit the funding application and develop the centre.

He said: “What’s here today is a testament to the work that the young people have put in.

But this isn’t the end, it’s just the start and those young people and the ones who follow them will continue to have input into The Hub.”

The Hub will be open to the public next month.