THE High Sheriff of Merseyside says “St Helens should be very proud” of its Millennium Centre after he was “totally blown away” following a visit of the facility.

High sheriff James Davies OBE was joined by trustees and executive chairman Tony Richards for a tour of centre.

This included a visit to the walk in, pharmacy, X-Ray and Visual Impairment departments, as well as information on the other services the facility provides and plans for the future.

The High Sheriff said: “I’ve been totally blown away by the magnificent work done here, St Helens should be very proud.

“I came here to be impressed and it has well and truly done that and I am completely overwhelmed. I have been High Sheriff for nine months now and this is one of the best visits I have made.

“I’m very impressed with St Helens anyway I am a huge fan but I think there is a pride among all the people here and everyone gets on.

“What Tony and the trustees are doing here is fantastic it’s holistic and available to everyone in St Helens with no less than 99 charities represented.

“The volunteers are the backbone of many of the great services here and a passion is visible across the whole service.

“People here will help others then offer more support if needed from another department which I think is brilliant and takes pressure off the overworked hospitals and GP where there is a lot of demand.

“I feel like the Millennium Centre is a uniquely transformational place and that other local authorities can learn a lot by looking at what is being done here. It is truly fantastic.”

Executive chairman Tony Richards added: “I am really impressed the comments that the high sheriff has said today.

“I am very happy that he has realised how unique our service is and that we have got the recognition it deserves.”