THE wait is finally over for villagers who waited 12 years for a new community centre. A campaign to revamp Wisbech St Mary Sports and Community Centre began in 1998 after trustees decided it had become outdated and not fit for purpose. After a battle to

THE wait is finally over for villagers who waited 12 years for a new community centre.

A campaign to revamp Wisbech St Mary Sports and Community Centre began in 1998 after trustees decided it had become outdated and not fit for purpose.

After a battle to get Lottery funding the new facility, which boasts a main hall, community bar, lounge area and two multi-purpose spaces, was unveiled on Saturday.

Trustee Graham Drew said people were "amazed" by the new-look building.

He said: "They couldn't believe that we'd got something like this in the village. It has been talked about for so long. It is such a relief to finally get it."

The previous village hall was a First World War wooden Army hut. It continued to be used for nearly 100 years but had huge drawbacks, such as poor heating and insulation and no parking.

The new building cost nearly �1million after a huge amount of money was raised by trustees and the community.

It was completed after a �469,000 grant came through from the Big Lottery Fund's Community Buildings programme.

About 300 people came for the opening weekend which included the official opening, live music and a family and children's afternoon.