A SIX-YEAR-OLD boy has helped create a buzz by choosing the winning name for the new soft play centre in Newton-le-Willows following a competition.

Roberto Salamanca won a competition to name the new soft play centre, one of the new attractions coming to Newton-le-Willows Health and Fitness Centre, with the name Willowbees.

Judges were impressed with his name after asking children across St Helens to submit their ideas.

The Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School pupil found out the good news among his classmates who were all celebrating with him as he won a trip for them all to try out the new facilities when they open. Roberto has also won a birthday party at the play centre for his winning name.

St Helens Star:

Roberto Salamanca celebrates his success with Jane Ascroft, centre manager at Newton-le-Willows Health and Fitness Centre

Willowbees play centre will be available to children under the age of 11 along with a café and three party rooms and it will be one of the star features of the redevelopment that will create a multi-use exercise studio, immersive exercise bike studio and a 90-station fitness suite.

Cllr Anthony Burns, Cabinet Lead for Public Health, Libraries and Leisure, said: “Well done to Roberto who has wowed us with his creative name that will certainly help us create a fantastic soft play area.

"I’m sure he will absolutely love trying out this new attraction that will offer people visiting the refurbished centre something for all the family to enjoy. We’re committed to offering activities that will bring a wealth of opportunities for every age range in the area and the new state-of-the-art facilities will be a great draw for residents living in Newton-le-Willows, Earlestown, Haydock and further afield.”

Willowbees will open later this year.