ARTS and crafts were centre stage at the Lantern Community’s open day as three new workshop buildings were officially opened for adults with learning difficulties.

The event at the centre in Folly Farm Lane in Ringwood saw a number of different activities being demonstrated, including artisan bread making, pottery, weaving and seasonal craft.

The open day was in celebration of the five new craft workshops at the campus, two of the new buildings being built by CaSA Architects and Greendale Construction.

They will enable the Lantern Community residents and day placements to benefit from the charity’s holistic approach.

Including a weaving studio, seasonal craft workshop, art studio, pottery and woodwork, the day’s event saw dozens of people turn out for the ceremony where a foundation stone was laid in the ground.

Set up to enable residents with a learning disability to take part in a friendly and supportive environment, the community offers opportunities for work suited to each individual.

Emma Borbely, day services manager, said the organisation had been fundraising for 10 years to pay for the building of the new workshops.

All the money it makes goes into the community.

She said: “Over the years Lantern has become a lot more outward-looking and welcoming and we want people to realise what we do here. People who come here feel they are needed and wanted.”

Ian Walker, director of architects CaSA, added: “It is wonderful being here and seeing the warmth and excitement is wonderful.”

The gift shop on site was also selling gifts.