MP for Thornbury and Yate, Luke Hall welcomed business minister MP Claire Perry to the area last week.

Ms Perry visited the Shire Way Community Centre in South Yate to see how the facility works at providing opportunities.

The Community Centre provides meetings rooms for local groups, hosts a social club for members and residents.

It is seen as a focal point of the South Yate community where groups such as the ‘University of the third Age’ (U3A), Stroke Club, Smile friendship Club and Foster Carers pit stop all meet to enhance the area’s activities.

There was a short meeting held by the minister and MP, along with campaigner and centre member Ian Livermore and volunteers at the centre,

After the discussion, Ms Perry met other members of staff and volunteers, before concluding with a quick pulling of a pint behind the bar.

MP Luke Hall said of the visit: “Bob (centre chairman) and the team are a great example of the community in action here in Yate.

"When the Minister asked for me for a good place to see it first-hand the centre was one of the first on the list."

MP Claire Perry was also full of praise for the centre.

"It was pleasure to accept Ian and Luke’s invitation to visit Shireway to see a real community hub in action last week," she said.

"After meeting Bob and the team, it was clear that there was some really positive ways in which Ian, Luke and the team can all work together to see improvement in the South Yate Community."