THE opening of Bridgwater's new Community Hub in Angel Place proved an emotional moment for John Hardy, the man who has spearheaded the project.

During his speech John explained that it was his mother's last wish to see her money used to create something that would benefit the local community.

The hub had an official opening event held on Friday, September 14 with around 100 people turning out in support.

"Today I deliver on a promise made to my mother in the time she was dying - it was her last wish," Mr Hardy said.

"She did not have a lot of money, but what little she had she wanted used to set up a project that would benefit the local community.

"She was a nurse, as was I, for many years. So here we are, four years down the line at the official opening."

The hub will offer a range of services to be able to help people in hard times and improve people's health and wellbeing.

The hub, based on the upper floor of Angel Place Shopping Centre features a classroom facility, a large flexible space for recreation capable of events, fitness classes and workshops, as well as a quiet place, named Marj's Little Lounge in honour of Mr Hardy's mother.

"We have great aspiration to serve people in their time of need, but also that the hub will be able to hold fun events too," Mr Hardy said.

"However none of this could have taken place without the generosity of so many local businesses and tradesman.

"I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity shown."

Mr Hardy also thanked members of the Royal British Legion, the Rotary, the local Masonic Lodges Roger Smith of Angel Place, Avril and Michael Staunton for their fundraising efforts.

Cllr Diogo Rodrigues had the honour of officially opening the Community Hub.

"I think this is a really great initiative in a really good location," Cllr Rodrigues said.

"It is vital at a time when we are seeing Somerset County Council making cuts to things like the Citizens Advice Bureau that people have a place to come that can signpost in the direction of the help they need.

"I think this will be a really positive thing for Bridgwater and I congratulate John on making this a reality."