MORE than 500 people representing a broad cross-section of the Wyre Forest community attended the official opening of the new Rhydd Covert activity centre on Saturday.

It was the conclusion of a 20-month project to replace the former building torched by vandals in October 2004.

Operation Covert, run by the Shuttle/Times & News, raised £80,000 towards the cost of the state-of-the-art building. Appeal partner, Kiddermin-ster & District Scout Council, which owns the Rhydd Covert site between Kidderminster and Bewdley, contributed a further £60,000 from the sale of John Stretton Memorial Hall.

The ribbon-cutting was carried out by Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor helped by youngsters representing Explorers, Scouts, Beavers and Cubs to emphasise the centre is for future generations.

The ceremony was attended by dozens of groups and individuals who supported the project and was followed by a community afternoon on Sunday when the public were able to view the new building.

An Operation Covert cake was a surprise sent by Kidderminster catering firm Murdoch's to add to the opening celebrations.

Site warden Mark Woodward said: "It was a fantastic weekend and rounded off the project in style. Without the support of the whole community, we would not have achieved our aim.

"We were overwhelmed by the reaction of people who had contributed to Operation Covert. They were impressed with the new centre which will serve Rhydd for many years to come."

Messages from guests at the weekend opening were placed in a visitors' book and included:

"What a wonderful facility. Well done to everyone" - James Dudley, chairman, Wyre Forest District Council.

"It is super to see such marvellous facilities for young people, resulting from such a splendid community effort" - Dr Richard Taylor, Wyre Forest MP.

"Thank you very much for asking me to cut the ribbon. I love it at Rhydd" - Tilly England, KD1 Beavers.

"A wonderful combined effort supported by many different parts of the local community. We are glad we joined in and helped in a small way" - Colin Morris, Stourport Rotary Club president 2005-06.

"What a splendid day. Congratulations to all concerned in the rebuilding and thanks for the wonderful opening day. So well organised. Baden-Powell would have been proud of it" - John and Joan Small, `Cum Sing Wi We' singers.

"Congratulations to all concerned - a fabulous achievement. We're so pleased to be associated with the project and to be able to help in a small way. Best wishes for the future" - Alan wood, Bewdley Rotary Club president 2005-06.