FROZEN stars joined more than 80 children for a Christmas party to open Silsden Youth and Community Centre.

Olaf and Elsa from the hit Disney cartoon film were among guests as the former Silsden Youth Club reopened its doors on December 10.

Marshall and Everest, from pre-school TV show Paw Patrol, were also on hand.

A new management committee of residents has taken on the Elliott Street building from Bradford Council and hope to hire it out to groups of all ages.

Jill Cook, director of Silsden Youth Community Interest Company, said there had been a fantastic response.

Cllr Peter Robinson, the Silsden town mayor, gave a speech and officially opened the venue by cutting a ribbon.

Attractions included a disco, bouncy castle, facepainting, refreshments, tombola, raffle, Lego bricks and exotic animals.

There was also a first aid demonstration, a chance for children to make planters, name the teddy and colouring competitions, and Santa Claus in his grotto. A host of local businesses donated prizes.

Jill said: “All these people provided their services and time free of charge, for which we are very grateful.

“Thanks to these local businesses supporting us, we managed to raise over £400, which will go towards keeping the centre open.

“All in all it was a fantastic event which we all enjoyed as did the children and parents.”

Sue and Callum Purcell were at the party to raise money for their son and older brother Finlay to go on a charity expedition to Borneo in 2018.

A group of residents, known as Silsden Youth Community Interest Company, took over Silsden Youth Centre on April 1 in order to keep it open following Bradford Council spending cuts.

Through the summer and autumn they made sure the building was maintained – using materials donated by local firms – and encouraged people and groups to use the facility.

Jill said: “So far we have hired the centre to Sports Coaching England which has run three Sports Camp weeks and will be running another Christmas-themed Sports Camp holidays.

“Rugbytots have started to use the facility and several people have hired the centre for children’s parties. Bricks4Kids ran ‘The Best Week Ever’.”

Gem Compliance, which provided first aid demonstrations at the Christmas party, plans to run first aid courses in the New Year.

The Bradford Council-run Youth Club continues to use the building.

Anyone wishing to support the centre’s work should call Jill Cook on 07794 366439.