A UNIQUE project, which has provided community facilities for one of Warrington's hardest-hit communities, is launching an awareness drive to mark a major revamp.

Supporters of the Mee Brow Community Initiative say that they are one of a kind in the town - providing the only charity-run neighbourhood centre, in Churchill Avenue.

In recent months, volunteers have been undertaking an extensive refurbishment programme and are staging an open day on Saturday, September 6.

Back in the Queen's Silver Jubilee year, residents resolved to tackle a perceived lack of childcare facilities, and set up their own community action group. By 1980 enough money had been raised to fund a centre of their own, using two portable offices donated by the Atomic Energy Authority.

This arrangement continued until 1995 when new premises were provided by Cheshire College.

The latest renovations have been partly funded by the National Lottery - and have even benefited from assistance from offenders carrying out community service orders.

Currently the centre is home to a number of community groups and courses - ranging from tai chi to understanding antiques - from as far afield as Glazebury, Croft and Lymm.

As a key fundraiser, the centre is also hosting a table top sale at the open day. To book a place, call centre co-ordinator Jacquie Mutch on 765627.