SELBY'S long-awaited £1.3 million community house will be officially opened by the Duke of York next week.

Prince Andrew will be in town to open the centre in Portholme Road, next Thursday.

The three-storey building brings most of the town's community support and voluntary groups under one roof, providing quick and easy access for residents.

The "one-stop shop" has been described as of "extremely high quality" by council planners, both in design and appearance.

Bricks and cedar wood panelling have been used for the walls, and aluminium for the roof.

Charities currently using the centre include Selby District Association Of Voluntary Services (AVS), Citizens' Advice Bureau, Selby Vision, Alcohol Advice Service, WRVS, Lifelong Learning, the Alzheimer's Society, Community Transport, and Selby Advocacy, along with victim support and domestic violence workers.

The ground floor will include a conference room, training and meeting rooms, and a reception area containing internet facilities for public use.

The first and second floors house offices for voluntary and support groups. There is also a lift and disabled access.

The project has been funded by the district council, the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, and the regional development agency, Yorkshire Forward.

In 2005, The Press reported that a groundwork survey was carried out on the site of the old Combined Services Club, in Portholme Road.

AVS co-ordinator Gill Cashmore said at the time a contract had been signed to demolish the club by June.

Work then started on building Selby's first "one-stop" community house.

After a seven-year campaign, Mrs Cashmore said she was delighted the project had finally moved ahead.

She said: "It's in an ideal place, being across the road from the council offices."