A community centre is set to be extended and upgraded thanks to businesses which volunteered their skills. For the past year, the Symonds Green Community Association, Stevenage, has been looking to make changes to its community centre so all activities ca

A community centre is set to be extended and upgraded thanks to businesses which volunteered their skills.

For the past year, the Symonds Green Community Association, Stevenage, has been looking to make changes to its community centre so all activities can take place under one roof.

The association currently runs events such as WeightWatchers, beavers, cubs and Irish dancing in three different buildings.

After committee members realised they didn't have the business skills for such a project, they enlisted the help of the Gunnels Wood Business Partnership (GWBP), an independent, non-profit organisation which aims to improve and develop business and investment in the area.

A business pitch, as a result of this partnership, took place last month at the EADS Astrium site, Stevenage, and a number of firms volunteered their help.

John Gardner, executive councillor for economic regeneration, said: "Business plays a vital role in the regeneration of Stevenage so it is pleasing to see the GWBP and local businesses getting behind a worthy community project that many residents will benefit from.