It was a real tonic to take part in the opening by Prince Phillip of Number 8 last week and so satisfying to see the huge efforts of PODS and PTAA recognised at the highest level.

Of course, it was completely in character that the team led by Ray Steadman and Jane Daniels made such a superb job of the event.

It has been a 10 year journey to get to this point, but I can honestly say that I have never seen such a determined band of people. They have earned every bit of help they received. It took some time to persuade Wychavon to help by buying the old Co-op building in 1998 and lease it to PTAA, but from then on there was no doubt in my mind that the project would succeed.

I am really pleased for Pershore too. Number 8 has transformed the town in the evenings ? bringing up to 250 people into the Centre. The activities at the Centre attract people from many miles around. Shops and restaurants are clearly benefiting, leading to more employment and prosperity for the town.

Thank you Ray, Jane and all at Number 8 ? may the Centre continue to grow and grow.

Charles Tucker, District Councillor for Pershore.

7 The team at Number 8 included: front, from left, chairman Jane Daniels, managing director Ray Steadman, programme and marketing manager Charlotte Beard and patron Alistair McGowan. Back, finance director Jan Browning, projectco-ordinator Keith Goddard, architect