MAYOR of Greater Manchester and former Newton-le-Willows schoolboy Andy Burnham was on hand to relaunch a once run-down youth club which has undergone a £250,000 transformation.

Newton le Willows Boys and Girls Club (NB&GC), on Haydock Street was unveiled by the former Leigh MP after being renovated into a first-class facility thanks to the efforts of a former member who attended during the 1960s.

The new centre has amenities such as a cinema room and recording studio and Salford charity Hamilton Davies Trust (HDT) have funded the refurbishment.

The refurbishment came about after a founder HDT trustee and donor Graham Chisnall returned to his old boys’ club five decades after he left.

The retired Talk Talk executive had attended NB&GC as a Newton-le-Willows youngster.

Inspired by fond memories, he persuaded colleagues at HDT to back the centre and worked closely with club manager Victoria Musk and volunteers to make the project happen.

NB&GC offers sports, music, culture and diverse activities, open to people between the ages of eight and 18.

The club is mainly run by volunteers and relies on donations and fundraising activities to keep going.

Other top quality facilities include a fully equipped kitchen, where young people will be trained in cookery skills, gaming room, sports hall, online community radio station WA12 Radio, with presenters of all ages and a hair and beauty salon.

Graham, now 62, said: “I had very happy times at NB&GC. It was a big support to me in my youth and helped me develop the confidence to succeed in my later life.

“When I walked in again for the first time in years, it was a little down-at-heel, being run by a team of excellent volunteers with little financial backing. I decided I had to put it back on its feet. I wanted the younger generation to have the support I had and enjoy first-class facilities.

“I feel privileged and very happy to have been able to help the club that once helped me. It’s a great feeling.”

Peter Dugan, chairman of NG&GC, said: “The transformation has been amazing. This is a great club, with this new investment and the addition of WA12 Radio we can now offer first class facilities for the youth of the district.”

Andy Burnham, a former St Aelred's schoolboy, added: “Thank you to Graham, Victoria and all the volunteers for giving the youth club a well needed refurbishment.

"The wide range of activities now available is fantastic and I hope the young people who come here enjoy them for years to come.”