WITH its grand opening fast approaching The Hive Youth Zone welcomed ambassador and footballing legend John Barnes to inspire the first Wirral members.

Due to open in April, the newly-built facility on Exmouth Street, Birkenhead hopes to offer young people across the borough the chance to learn important life skills in a range of areas including music, media, sport, fitness and dance.

First junior member, Eva Easdown and senior member, Natasha Atkins paid their annual membership of £5 to ensure their involvement in the new youth scheme when it opens.

The youngsters will now only need to pay 50p per visit and can access up to 20 activities which also include employability workshops.

First volunteers Marie Brunt and Annielee Kelly from Birkenhead also attended the day alongside URENCO Ltd and the Hive’s chairman, John Syvret CBE.

Open all year round the hub will become an integral part of Wirral’s youth culture with an estimated 250 young people walking through its doors each evening in a safe environment.

The Hive’s chief executive Stuart Barnes said: “It was fantastic to have both John Barnes and our chairman John Syrvet attend Saturday’s membership launch. It was a landmark day in what will be a long and fruitful history of Wirral Youth Zone.

“I would urge all young people in Wirral to sign up online now by visiting www.thehiveyouthzone.org/new-member and come and get involved in the host of activities on offer come April 8.”

For more information about The Hive visit: www.thehiveyouthzone.org