A FORMER boxing gym in Dallam has been transformed into a state-of-the-art dance studio for the area's budding young performers.

It will now provide youngsters and other members of the community with a golden opportunity to improve their dance moves.

Mayor Clr Pauline Nelson, opened the new dance facility, at Harrison Square, on Saturday.

Dallam dance group, Funky Monkeys, will be first to benefit from the new club.

Organisers are also planning to set up tap, ballet and salsa classes, a parent and toddler exercise club, women's keep fit and a tea dance for pensioners.

Community volunteer, Lynne Blackburn, said that it had taken about 12 months for the project to come to fruition because campaigners were finding it very difficult to secure funding.

"We had to just keep trying and banging on people's doors," she said.

In the end cash came from the Local Network Fund and the Warrington Drugs Action Team.

The Local Network Fund aims to help children in poverty achieve their potential by investing directly in the activities of local communities.

Lynne added: "We are hoping that local people will come along and support it and join in with the dancing!"

At the grand opening on Saturday the crowd was entertained by a break-dancing group and got the chance to look at dance workshops.

There was also a barbecue, face-painting and a bouncy castle to round off the fun day.