A COMMUNITY centre chairman who has helped steer the venue to success is stepping down after eight years in office.

Kevin Nicholson was just 18-years-old when he took the helm of the Firthmoor & District Community Association.

Since then the centre has grown in stature and now offers a number of services such as a nursery, catering and a dentist.

Mr Nicholson, who admitted he thought long and hard about his decision to step down, is leaving the post to concentrate on his work as an independent councillor for the Eastbourne ward.

He described his time as chairman as a “testing but worthwhile journey”, adding: “When I look back at what we were, where we were headed, I can’t help but feel immensely proud of what we have achieved together.

“We do more now for our community than we have ever done, events such as Firthmoor Live ensure that we lead the way when it comes to providing community activities.

“I’m confident that we now have the people, processes and systems in place to ensure that our charity is set up to succeed both now and in the future.”

Mr Nicholson was recognised for his work with a BEM in 2013.