WORK is due to begin in October on Looe Amenity Centre, a new community facility for residents of the town and surrounding parishes.

Looe Development Trust has raised more than half a million pounds for the centre which is due to be competed by next summer.

It will be at the Millpool next to Looe Library and the main car park.

The two-storey building is being developed in conjunction with the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) and has been funded by a number of organisations, including West Looe Town Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, Viridor Credits and the Defra Rural Development Programme for England.

The multi-function building will be divided into two areas. The first floor will be used for clubs and societies with additional space available to rent for non-community events.

The ground floor will be used by a variety of groups during the day, and will provide a social space for youth of the area after school and in the evenings, in conjunction with working closely with Cornwall Council Youth Services.

The idea of the project is to establish 'a vibrant and focused delivery centre for local people' and 'provide services currently not available'.

Councillor Armand Toms said: 'This is an exciting project that will bring many benefits.

'For too long the town has needed a focal point for groups to get together.

'The centre will provide something for all our residents and an added provision for our younger generation. 'This is very good news for Looe.'