AFTER five years of hard work the new Phoenix Community Centre in the Pilgrims Way/River Way area of Andover is due to be handed over by the contractors next week.

And project spokesman Marcus Sawkins said the club should be up and running by the end of January.

He said: "We are now taking bookings and we are particularly keen to attract a playgroup to use our facilities."

The centre will be run by community association volunteers for all members of the community.

Work on the new building began last summer and its completion marks the culmination of years of hard work, which survived several setbacks and a major financial glitch. The project has been supported by Test Valley Borough Council, Hampshire County Council and local businesses.

Anyone interested in booking should contact Mr Sawkins on 077 34 731 089 (evenings only).