AS THE launch of a new paintball centre in the town approaches, it brings an end to more than a year of hard work and waiting for its owner.

Chris Howell’s ambition to open the action-packed zone and bring the “Call of Duty gaming experience to life” is finally about to become reality at the former Revere Graphics Building location in Borough Road.

Chris “cannot wait” for the fun to blast off. “We’re starting to take bookings and will be open from January 24,” says the 25-year-old, whose initial plan to use the Alexandra House saw him outbid by Willowbrook Hospice.

However, his determination saw him eventually secure the property next door. The site has been transformed with indoor and outdoor facilities being built. The play zone will go under the name ‘Special Ops: The Next Generation’ and features a command centre, toy helicopter, grenades, land mines, trip wires, headsets, paintball guns to AK47’s, a bus, tank and night vision goggles.

And the project will not only help to bring visitors to the town but also provide jobs thanks to the help of St Helens Chamber and Starting Point. The aim is to have recruited15 people will by the end of the year.

The site’s stewards will be Mark Anthony Critchley, 26 from Rainhill, Liam Paul Lancaster, 20 from the town centre, Matthew James Hill, 21 of Toll Bar and Liam Willmitt, 23 from Haydock. Aaron Sawyer, 30 of Clock Face has been appointed as the trainee site manager.

Chris added: “I just can’t wait to get going with this, it’s been so long in the making.” Aaron, who lives with his wife Susan and his two children in Clock Face added: “For me this is pretty much life-changing. I have been involved in call centres in the past but now this is something where I feel I can like coming into work.”