Residents of a housing scheme in Ilkley got a fantastic Christmas present with the re-opening of their community centre after two years of closure.

The centre, attached to the Five Oaks Housing Scheme in Ben Rhydding Drive, was given a new lease of life, thanks to Sanctuary Maintenance, A B Humbercraft and Hewitt’s Decorating.

The highly valued community centre is run by Sanctuary Supported Living for people with learning and physical disabilities.

Resident at Five Oaks Tracy Edginton said: “From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank everyone – all the decorators and workmen. The centre really does look absolutely fantastic. It truly is a great Christmas present.”

Local firms A B Humbercraft and Hewitt’s Decorating agreed to get involved with the project and donated materials, expertise and time to get the centre up and running.

Sanctuary Maintenance was established in 2009 as the commercial maintenance arm of Sanctuary Group, which is an exempt charity responsible for the provision of social housing, care and management services across England and Scotland.

Since the project started there has been excitement in the air from everyone involved and as the opening was so close to Christmas residents felt it only right to mark the occasion with a good old- fashioned Christmas party.

Sanctuary Maintenance managing director Dennis Evans said: “The party has been a fantastic end to a very special project.

“Everyone has worked tirelessly to make sure all the work was done before the big unveiling. At this time of year, projects like this one really bring home the importance of community.”

Residents and their families say the centre has re-established a sense of community and they look forward to taking part in a range of regular activities.

James Wright, co-chair of the Five Oaks Residents and Supporters Association, said: “The re-opening of the centre has helped bring back a strong and vital sense of community and friendship among the residents and their families.”