|TOP|The Duke of Kent opened The St Augustine's New Avenham Centre in Preston, Lancashire, Tuesday, welcomed by Jim Carr, Town Clerk, Preston City Council.

The new £5m sports and community centre was developed out of the intention to bridge the gap between different faith groups in the area.

In a joint community partnership led by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lancaster, the centre includes a sports hall, adult learning centre and creche.

The royal party toured the building led by Centre Manager Jonathan Thomas, while local schools and residents played netball, table tennis and exercised in the fitness suite demonstrating that the multi-purpose community centre has much to offer the local community.

The visit ended with the unveiling of an official plaque to mark the occasion.

John Cowdall, chairman of the board of trustees responsible for the management and operation of the centre, said: "This royal visit is a fitting tribute to all who have helped in this imaginative project and to the residents of Avenham for whom the Avenham Centre is but one of a series of impressive regeneration initiatives."

Funding for the initiative has come from the Lancaster Diocese, Sport England, the European Regional Development Fund, the AvenCentral Regeneration Partnership and Preston City Council.