FOOTBALLING legend John Barnes has returned to the recording studio to create a rap for the state-of-the-art Wirral youth zone, The Hive.

All set for the grand opening on Saturday some of the young Hive members joined the former Tranmere manager in the studio.

The rap represents what youngsters think the new hub will offer them and thousands of others.

John said: “I was fortunate enough to be fully focussed on football when I was growing up and avoided many of the negative influences, challenges and pressures that affect young people today.

“I’m supporting the Hive Youth Zone as it will give young people a safe place to go where they can socialise and spend their time on productive, creative and healthy activities.

“Taking part in the rap has brought back some great memories and will hopefully help raise awareness of this important project.

“I’ve lived on the Wirral for over 30 years and it’s important to me that I give something back to the Merseyside area, as the people here have supported me throughout my career.”

Facilities of the new hub include a skate park, 4G football pitch, four court sports hall, boxing studio, music and recording areas and hair and beauty rooms.

Head of UK communications at URENCO Neil Fagan who produced the rap said: “Being the first founder patron of The Hive was a great honour, but we wanted to do more than just support the project financially.

“This Hive Rap has taken months of hard work but it has been an absolute privilege to work alongside both John and more importantly Wirral’s young people.

“Hopefully the video raises more awareness of such a great project across Wirral and beyond.”

With the launch of The Hive kicking off at 1pm families are welcome to visit the hub on Bright Street in Birkenhead to take advantage of the first-class facilities available.

The £6m purpose-built facility aims to give young people a chance to learn important life skills as well as being a catalyst for reducing anti-social behaviour.

The first senior, junior and inclusion sessions will take place on the following dates:

• Saturday 8 April, 4-10pm: First Senior session for young people aged 13 - 19yrs

• Sunday 9 April, 10am-2pm: First Inclusion session for young people with a disability aged up to 25

• Sunday 9 April, 3-7pm: First Junior session for young people aged 8 - 12yrs.

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