A new youth hub has been officially opened in a Wiltshire town centre.

The new Devizes Area Youth (DAY) Lounge officially opened on Thursday, November 6, after initially opening its doors in September.

The former bed store has been converted into a hub for young people to meet and spend time, and is full of games and activities for visitors to enjoy.

This conversion has been a lengthy process, with months of work taking place to bring the empty space back to life.

The lounge was officially opened by town mayor Cllr Jennie Britten.

She said: "This youth hub puts young people at the heart of our community, giving them a safe, secure and accessible space they can truly call home, a place to connect, grow and thrive.

"Sincere gratitude goes out to the officers and councillors of Devizes Town Council for their support, and to Wiltshire Council for their financial support.

"In particular, grateful thanks to Cllr Hopkins for his dedication, former town clerk Simon Fisher for identifying this building as a viable solution, and Cllr Jonathan Hunter for his vision, an ambition that he set out as a formal resolution to help bring this project to life."

Steve Dewar and Cllr Jennie Britten at the new youth lounge (Image: Cllr Jonathan Hunter)

Cllr Britten also paid tribute to those who had worked to transform the unit and turn this vision into a reality, including local youth worker Steve Dewar.

She added: "Also, sincere thanks go to all the local businesses and residents who have brilliantly helped with their financial resources and skilled work, enabling a successful refurbishment.

"Finally, huge thanks go to local hero and outstanding youth worker Steve Dewar, whose relentless commitment has been central to making this hub a reality.

"To young people of Devizes, this is your space, enjoy it, shape it, and know that your community stands behind you."

The previously empty shop is owned by the town council.

Instead of looking to rent the space out again, councillors voted to turn the property into a "beacon" for young people.

Mr Dewar has played an important part in the project to create the youth lounge, and earlier this year he spoke to this paper about the importance of collaboration.

At the time, he said: "The collaborative effort has helped it to get where it is and that needs to continue, it's local people supporting local young people who have faced generations of cuts."