A youth and community centre welcomed a government minister.

Cedars Youth and Community Centre, in Chicheley Road, Harrow Weald, was visited by Paymaster General Francis Maude MP yesterday.

Staff at the centre said the minister was very interested in its day-to-day running, the financial constraints it faces and the groups of users that come through the doors of the centre.

During the 45-minute visit, Mr Maude took in a tour of the centre and got involved in a discussion with young people from Shaftesbury High School, who use the facility regularly.

The centre is used by nearly 1,000 people each week ranging from Tots provision to over 50s sessions, with the youngest member being four-years-old and the oldest 92.

Steve Williams, who manages the centre, said: “To be able to showcase the centre to a senior government official is particularly pleasing and to be able to share both the good and the challenging aspects of a facility.”