People of all ages will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of a new community centre in Looe, run by volunteers.

'This project was born out of a demand from the whole community and represents more than seven years of hard work and effort by many hard-working and unpaid volunteers,' said Stuart Wright, of Looe Development Trust.

'We now have an opportunity to provide a quality public building with two distinct areas, one for the youth and one for all others. Looe both needs and deserves this facility and we hope that the plan can become a reality in the not too distant future.'

The two-storey amenity centre, with disabled access and facilities, will be open to people of all ages and will be available for community groups to use in the Millpool area of West Looe.

There will be a youth cafe on the ground floor where younger people will be able to socialise and a larger space on the first floor for groups and organisations to use.

Community groups will be able to hire the space for meetings, classes and social occasions.

The first floor room will accommodate up to 120 people and, with catering facilities and a bar, can be used for private functions.

Planning permission was granted for the centre at Caradon District Council last Thursday.

Justin Spreckley, chairman of Looe Development Trust, said: 'The Looe Development Trust is delighted that Caradon District Council has given planning permission for the construction of the amenity centre for Looe's youth, elderly and the whole community. I would like to thank those district council officers and the members of the Lakeside Social Club who have helped us so much to reach this point in the realisation of this much-needed facility in Looe.'

Cornwall Youth Services will be offering a full range of youth services, including drug and alcohol awareness and employment advice.

With the proposed 'One Stop Shop' in Looe Library the building could also be used for the delivery of services such as Citizens' Advice and blood donor services.