Nicholas Soames today turned the sod to celebrate the building of the new £630,000 Ashenground Community Centre in Vale Road, Haywards Heath.

Mr Soames was presented with a silver spade to do the job with the support of 94 year old Bill Awcock and 3 year old Alex Wilmore.

Local supporters, councillors and representatives from local organisations joined Mr Soames at a champagne reception to celebrate the occasion.

Mr Soames said; “This is indeed a landmark occasion – a tribute to many who have worked tirelessly for four years for this worthy cause. I am delighted to have been associated with the project and with people who have demonstrated a true commitment to the local community. I sense a real buzz about the place and I am confident that the new centre will prove to be a much needed asset, not only to Ashenground but to the whole of Haywards Heath.”