A NEWLY refurbished arts centre has been officially opened and is set to be a hive of activity over coming months. Letchworth Arts Centre, in The Arcade off Leys Avenue, has undergone a £180,000 makeover and now boasts a suite of three galleries and a new

A NEWLY refurbished arts centre has been officially opened and is set to be a hive of activity over coming months.

Letchworth Arts Centre, in The Arcade off Leys Avenue, has undergone a £180,000 makeover and now boasts a suite of three galleries and a new performance space with a PA system and lights.

About 40 volunteers aged between 14 and 75 help run the centre and chief executive Maria Iredale says the centre would not be able to function without them.

Mrs Iredale said: "We have got really, really skilled volunteers and there are so many aspects to the organisation that I couldn't do it all without them."

She added: "If you had told me a year ago what we could achieve I would have laughed.

"We have brought in about £80,000 for arts to Letchworth."

Current exciting exhibitions include a display by Oreet Ashery who has been nominated for a Turner Prize.

The centre is designed for all ages, and future events range from Rockskool - for budding musicians aged 11 to 16 - to burlesque dancing for an older, cheekier audience.

The arts centre is open from 8am until late, Monday to Saturday, and has full wheelchair access.

To receive a programme of events, contact the centre directly on 01462 670788.