SONG filled the air at the opening of a refurbished community centre this week.

St Paul’s Halliwell Community Centre reopened in grand style with performances from choirs and moving speeches to celebrate the importance of the venue to the people who use it.

St Thomas’ School Choir delighted the audience who attended and the Eden Singers showed off their vocal range.

Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Elaine Sherrington gave a speech at the opening.

Afterwards she said: "It was very nice and was a lovely celebration as they had the children singing from St Thomas', the choir and the Bishop of Bolton was there. The church was full. It was really, really good, a very nice atmosphere."

The centre secured funding of £50,000 from Viridor Landfill Grants in 2017, including £5,000 which was raised by the community, to re-roof the parish hall.

A development grant from Big Lottery Reaching Communities Building Fund was also received, which went to the refurbishment of the community centre.

This included updating the offices and creating proper kitchen facilities.

The grand reopening was held on Thursday and was attended by local dignitaries , including town mayor Cllr Elaine Sherrington and former council leader Cllr Cliff Morris.

George Holmes, vice chancellor of the University of Bolton also spoke in his capacity as the Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester.

He and Cllr Sherrington formally opened the centre.

Halliwell Action for Working Alongside Youth (HAFWAY) member Deen Ishmaaeel and Edith Lapworth of Halliwell Befriending Service both spoke about the importance of the community centre and the work they do there.

Cllr Sherrington said that Mr Ishmaaeel received the biggest applause of the event.

St Paul's Church has been in Halliwell since 1848 said Cllr Sherrington noting the importance of the church and its facilities to the surrounding community.

Groups for dementia and fitness are among those who take advantage of the space.