COWLERSLEY Community Centre has been reopened by a star guest.

Emmerdale actress Julia Mallam, who plays Dawn Woods in the soap, opened the centre.

She was asked to the event through Colne Valley MP Kali Mountford, who has contacts at ITV.

Ms Mountford was also at the opening, which was arranged by the Cowlersley Tenants' and Residents' Association.

Cora Carter, the association secretary, said: "Julia was absolutely lovely and very nice to the children who came. She was a genuine person.

"It's great to have the centre refurbished. It's hard to believe what it used to be like.

"The opening also marked our 20th anniversary, so it was a special day."

The association has refurbished the centre, on Cowlersley Lane, over the past 12 months.

The centre was closed from last Christmas until August this year.

The £80,000 refurbishment included fitting computers, new fire alarms and burglar alarms.

The cash came from Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing, Kirklees Neighbourhood Renewal Fund and Children's Fund Kirklees.

The centre is used by community groups, art workshops and a youth group run by Huddersfield charity Communities United Project, which engages children through sport.