DETERMINED campaigners who saved Malvern Youth Centre from closure are days away from being handed the keys to the facility.

The handover ceremony on Tuesday marks a victory for the Malvern Youth and Community Trust – formerly Malvern Community Collective.

The centre’s new name will also be revealed at the ceremony.

A campaign to save the centre started in 2010, after Worcestershire County Council said it was shutting the doors. Throughout last year the group campaigned vigorously and presented a petition of over 2,000 signatures to the council.

In November, the council agreed to allow MCC to lease the Albert Road North centre at a peppercorn rent.

Trust chairman Lee Farley said: “We are overjoyed to be in a position to take over the youth centre. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us.

“We look forward to a vibrant and positive future working with everyone in the community.”

The centre is holding a free launch day on Saturday, May 12, showcasing its facilities and offering various sporting activities.

The day finishes with a ceilidh featuring Hodge’s Dump.

Tickets for the ceilidh (£6 adults, free for accompanied children) are available from 01684 575363.