THE long-awaited official opening of the Hasbury Community Centre, formerly Huntingtree Sons of Rest, will take place next month.

Halesowen World War Two veteran and Legion d'Honneur recipient Les Marsh will be the guest of honour at the opening on Saturday, July 9.

The Mayor of Dudley Councillor Mohammed Hanif will be attending and so will Les Marsh recipient of the Légion d'Honneur.

Secretary Dennis Neville said: "I am pleased to confirm that the long awaited opening is set for Saturday, July 9 at 11am.

"We are extending a warm welcome to local residents and any community groups interested in using the centre.

"The centre is available for use by community groups, voluntary organisations, clubs and individuals providing community activities and we want businesses also to use the centre."

The Hasbury Community Association applied to take over the building, which was built to honour the town's war dead and left for townsfolk in 1947, three years ago after it used Localism Act legislation to halt its sale by Dudley Council.

The building was used as a senior citizens centre for several years but was set to be demolished by Dudley Council in 2013.

Mr Neville said: "This is an opportunity to see inside the centre which is largely untouched since the 1950’s, talk to volunteers, see the facilities and to learn how to become involved in keeping the entre open for the use of the local community.

"We are delighted our new website is now up and running at www.hasburycommunitycentre.co.uk and we are on Twitter and Facebook."

The Shell Corner Youth Company and the Royal British Legion are two groups which have signed up to use the building.

For more information about the centre phone Dennis Neville on 07421 768 348.