State-of-the-art youth facility The Hive welcomed a visit from North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) representatives to thank them for their support.

The NWAS chief executive Derek Cartwright and chairman Wyn Dignan met with Hive development manager Kate Thomas after the service agreed the purchase of the former ambulance station land for The Hive's 'Reach Out' raised garden area.

Councillor for Birkenhead and Tranmere Jean Stapleton who was instrumental in bringing the Youth Zone to Wirral also joined a tour around the new facilities.

Derek said: “We are honoured to have a plaque which represents our connection to the Hive and our strong community links in the Wirral area.

"We know how vital this resource is for the youth in this area and we hope they enjoy it.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to be invited to the youth zone to see the facility in all its glory, we would like to thank the Hive for this gesture.”

The 'Reach Out' garden is a popular spot at The Hive, housing the youth zone's outdoor skate park.

Since opening in April, The Hive has welcomed young people from across the borough with a mission to provide somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to.

Open seven days a week, all year round including school holidays a year membership to The Hive costs just £5 a year and 50p per session.

More than 4,700 young people have signed up to a membership, enjoying all that the Youth Zone has to offer including an indoor climbing wall, fitness suite, sports hall, well-being salon and dance studio.

For more information visit http://www.thehiveyouthzone.org