COMMUNITY centre. The name is on the tin - it is the centre of a community.

Of course there are degrees of community but if there is one place that lives up to both descriptions - community and centre of community, it is the Harraby Community Centre.

The centre had a bit of a head start, of course, when it became the centre of a £13m campus.

They share the campus with Pennine Way Primary School.

It has enhanced sports facilities and a community theatre as well as a cafe, library and soft play area.

A competitive cycle track is also due to be created this summer, providing a leading regional facility for the sport.

Other organisations using the campus - funded by the county and city councils - include Barnardo's and St Aidan's Day Nursery.

There is also a high-quality theatre which is used for Monday film days and for theatrical productions.

Some top rate acts have come to the centre and a group have got together to perform annual pantomimes.

But while there are facilities that would be the envy of many, it is not the surroundings that make the Harraby Community Centre so special.

THE BEATING HEART OF THE COMMUNITY: Managing this community centre is more than a job

That is down to the people who work and volunteer there.

In the first place thee are many volunteers willing to give their time to the cenre, whether it is helping in the theatre or helping run the Covid vaccination clinics that have been run there.

Some have been recognised for their work.

One of those is Annal Dalton, a trustee with 'Together We Can' which was set up to be actively involved in the development of the old school site to create a new facility for the community.

Anne is a trustee of Harraby Community Centre and she started the Carlisle Community Choir & Carlisle Singers, who deliver singing to care homes and day-care centres.