The traditional seafaring signal of eight bells was sounded to mark the inauguration of the brand new Southampton Seafarers' Centre in Queen's Terrace yesterday.

At noon exactly the ship's bell which was once carried on the old P&O liner Arcadia during the 1950s was struck to mark the start of a service of thanksgiving and re-dedication.

The centre, which recently underwent a complete refurbishment, has brought together an ecumenical partnership of the Anglican church's Mission to Seafarers, the Roman Catholic Apostleship of the Sea and the British and International Sailors' Society (BISS) from the Free Churches under one roof.

After a short service in the centre's chapel, the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire Mrs Mary Fagan, pictured, officially opened the revamped building.

"I know this will be a very special centre, where seafarers from many lands will find great warmth and happiness,'' said Mrs Fagan before unveiling a commemorative plaque.

"This centre is the result of a powerful partnership and the support of many different trusts where seamen will be able to refresh themselves and also contact their families at home.''

Mrs Fagan was presented with a bouquet by six-year-old Jack Taylor, the grandson of Emer Lyons, who has worked with the Apostleship of the Sea since 1978.

Seamen visiting Southampton will now be able to use the centre, which boasts a bar and kitchen, a recreation area, a library and, most importantly, the latest communication equipment and the Internet to help them contact their homes around the world.

With its slogan "A Safe Haven and a Good Anchorage'', the centre will be manned by volunteers together with chaplains from the three long-standing organisations which, over the decades, have provided practical help and spiritual support to the crews of the many vessels that visit the city's port.

Making up the centre's team is the Rev Michael Williams from the Mission to Seafarers, the Apostleship's Father Patsy Foley and the Rev Bill McCrea of BISS.

The project to redevelop the centre was backed by King George's Fund for Sailors, the Southampton Sailors' Home Trust, the International Transport Federation Seafarers' Trust, the Corporation of Trinity House, the Merchant Navy Welfare Board and the Southampton Shipowners' Association.