THE charity set up in memory of Wirral teenager Charlotte Churchill finally opened its doors last weekend.

The much-anticipated official launch of Charlotte’s "Brightside CLC" was attended by more than 300 people on Saturday after months of preparation.

Nineteen-year-old Charlotte died in April 2011 when the car in which she was a passenger hit a tree.

But her death inspired her family and close friends to raise thousands of pounds to create the charity designed especially for local youngsters.

Loose Women panellist and former Coronation Street star Sally Lindsay and Olympic boxer Natasha Jonas were on hand at the launch to make sure Charlotte’s legacy was a success.

And now Charlotte’s mum, Angie, and her team of dedicated volunteers are ready to get the Brightside centre in New Brighton fully up and running.

She said: “It was absolutely amazing on Saturday – it went better than I had ever hoped it would. We had a steady flow of people through the doors all day and at one point it was completely packed.

“There was some great feedback from the kids and some of them seemed to love somewhere to just sit and chat.”

The centre, which is in Molyneux Drive, features a recording studio, tuck shop, cafe area, table tennis and ‘chill-out’ areas with beanbags and a television.

But it is the special mural to Charlotte, featuring her very own catchphrases and funny sayings, that has become the focal point of Brightside.

 

Angie added: “To think how far we have come is incredible but there’s still work to do – we’re asking the young people to tell us what they want from us and there are plans to run dance classes and also set up a football team.

“We hope people come along, see what they think and have fun.”

The centre is open on Monday nights from 6pm-8pm for eight to 11-year-olds and Tuesdays at the same time for 11 to 16-year-olds. Opening times will become more regular in the near future.

For more information visit http://www.charlottesbrightsideclc.tk/