ANDOVER'S newest facility for young people was officially opened at the weekend,in time for the half-term holiday.

Nearly 2,500 people were attracted to the grand opening of The Depot Youth Complex at Charlton where a programme of free activities was available including special one-off entertainment such as an eight metre high outdoor climbing wall, a mobile ice rink and street dancing sessions.

Councillor Ian Carr, said: "I feel very privileged to be the person officially opening this complex as I know how important it is for the young people of Andover to have somewhere to go which is just for them."

On Sunday the synthetic ice rink was put up in a shower of rain and snow, which fortunately blew over.

The crowds of young people enjoyed the skateboarding session by the Gravity Team and an entertaining performance from local band All But Fallen.

Special Depot cards had been distributed in local schools over the past few weeks and hundreds of young people took them along to activate them. This meant they could take part in all the free activities over the weekend while the first 500 went home with a goody bag.

For the full story see Friday's Andover Advertiser.