A FORMER Chinese restaurant has been transformed into a new community hub.

The Roundhouse cafe was packed with residents, families, and community figures who all came together for the opening of the building for their first event - a Macmillan Coffee morning.

The opening of the hub has come after months of hard work by volunteers from across the community to improve the building which had been left empty for two years.

The hub will now act as a cafe which will be open to the community as well as a hub used by a number of organisations including Zest Community Action Group and Orsted, who operate the windfarm off the coast of Walney.

Laughing and chatting could be heard as people sat and enjoyed a variety of cakes in the newly-refurbished cafe.

Councillor Bill McEwan addressed the crowd and thanked everyone for coming.

He also heaped praise on the team at Zest Community Action Group for their efforts and everyone who helped to make the hub possible.

Speaking after, he said: “I think it’s fantastic.

“The cafe is going to be dog-friendly.

"People will be able to come in for a coffee after walking their dogs. Everyone has worked really hard to get it ready for today.

“All the volunteers who’ve done their bit and the donations we’ve received is a fantastic example of community spirit which is exactly what we want to see in the area.

“Zest will be based here from now and Orsted have helped to out and will be a part of it.”