MORE than 60 turned up to a new sports centre celebrate its official opening. 

The Centre For Outdoor Activity and Community Hub opened its doors on May 11 and the site between French Weir Park and Longrun Meadow. 

Robbie Lowers, trustee, said: "Approx 60 people including the outgoing Mayor, Vivienne Stock-Williams, in her final activity before handing over to new mayor Hazel Prior-Sankey, business leaders, funders, representatives of the businesses involved in COACH's construction, user groups who are making COACH their home base, local authority, schools and colleges attended the 'ribbon cutting' ceremony in the Park Room and toasted the success of COACH with a glass of champagne provided by Majestic Wine.

"David Hartley and Alan Munk, trustees of the former charity Taunton Youth and Community Centre (TYCC) - from whence came a substantial proportion of the funds to enable COACH to be built - cut the ribbon following a short account of the project by COACH trustee and chairman, Ian Payne.

"Taunton School sponsored the event and provided tea for guests."

Karen and Pete Hood from the on-site cafe at COACH, The Weir, provided refreshments for school pupils from 15 schools who took part in water and land-based activities throughout the day.