A new community and training centre has been officially opened.

Baroness Jenkin of Kennington led the ceremony at The Archer Community Centre in East Street, Braintree, on Friday.

An art group, Pantoloons amateur dramatics group, St John Ambulance and North Essex Mental Health Trust are among the organisations using the building, which opened earlier this month.

Over the next few months, vehicle maintenance, metalworking and woodworking courses will also be offered to people not in education, employment or training, and prolific offenders, in partnership with Essex Offender Services and Jobcentre Plus.

The aim is to give them confidence to help themselves, which will reduce their feeling of social isolation.