FAMILIES in Southampton have been celebrating the success of a learning centre that has helped more than 1,000 residents since winning a lottery grant.

The Warren Centre in Shirley has become a vital tool for people looking for new jobs with courses and new skills run at the centre, alongside community health schemes and family activities.

The Southampton City Council-backed centre was awarded £220,000 in funding in September 2007 with the aim of helping 250 people a year.

But last year the learning facility helped more than 1,000 people. Among those joining in the celebrations were Southampton mayor Liz Mizon and city Test MP Alan Whitehead.

Echo picture by Joanna Mann. Order no: 9900972