A LOCAL centre has celebrated its new refurbishments after being given £4000.

Elton Community Centre, a service that helps adults with learning difficulties, was given £4000 in May from Tesco's Bags of Help scheme.

The money was used to refurbish the quiet and sensory room, adding special foam mats to the floor and walls, a special chair, and a bubble tube.

Marie Lilley, who has volunteered at the centre for eight years, said: “[The centre] has gone from strength to strength. Our quiet room is really important, it means everything to them.”

“It helps them relax and have freedom. The mats mean that they’re not going to get hurt if they bump an arm or a leg.”

The Elton Centre celebrated the work with an open day on October 30, with Local Community Champions from Bury and Prestwich Tesco and the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Trevor Holt and his wife Evelyn attending.

The centre also celebrated winning two awards at the Persona PersonAwards on October 3.

Volunteer of the Year went to Marie, while the centre was given the innovation award.

Marie said: “I live on my own with no relatives so the centre has become like a family to me.”

“It’s great to be a part of and I get to use my skills, despite my retirement, so I feel useful too.”

The centre wants to thank everyone who has donated, including Tesco Bags of help, Mr Greener, B & Q Bury, Ikea Manchester, Decor8 Bury and all the people who put the Bags of Tokens in their slot.