PARALYMPIC heroine Claire Cashmore MBE officially opened a new Kidderminster youth hub at an event celebrating the diverse communities in the district.

The Our Communities Wyred Together took place on Saturday (January 28) at Youth House, in Bromsgrove Street. The event was organised by Wyre Forest Nightstop, Kidderminster and District Youth Trust, Our Way Youth Advocacy and the Basement Project.

Last year, the groups received a grant of £514,053 from the Big Lottery Fund which enabled them to develop a Youth Hub, known as Axis - which was officially opened by gold medal winner Claire during the event. The hub is a 'one stop shop' designed to give advice to young people in crisis and staffed by trained youth workers and advice workers.

Claire said: "It is an absolute honour to open the Axis Youth Hub.

"It is fantastic to see the work that has been done to help the young people of Wyre Forest.

"We also need to say a big thank you to the Big Lottery Fund who made this possible and the hard work of all of the staff concerned."

The launch event was attended by more than 300 people including council dignitaries.

The event included food, entertainment and historical information from Polish, Bangladeshi and Filipino community groups, while Midcounties Co-op provided English afternoon teas. Nightstop donor, Dave Griffin, from Quads and Castles, also provided a bouncy castle, while the whole event was filmed by the Community Broadcast Company.

Judith Ford, Nightstop CEO, added: "We cannot stress enough just how delighted we were to see so many people enjoying themselves on Saturday.

"From Claire Cashmore MBE, Charles Talbot MBE - found of the Youth House - local councillors and Big Lottery staff, and all our community groups.

"The atmosphere was one of real celebration and so many people a chance to share food, experiences and stories from their cultures.

"It was the perfect way to launch our new Axis Youth Hub which will help any young person from the district who comes to us with a problem.

"We are very grateful to the Big Lottery who made Axis a reality and allowed us to share the launch in such a special way with our community."