ST HELENS South MP, Shaun Woodward has become a vice-president of the Millennium Centre, joining his St Helens North colleague, Dave Watts who holds a similar position.

Tony Richards, executive chairman of the centre, said: "I greatly welcome the interest and support Shaun Woodward has shown to the Millennium Centre by accepting the vice-president role. I hope now that phase 2 and 3 will have an even better chance of going ahead and achieving the Millennium Centre Vision".

Shaun Woodward, said: "I am very glad that Tony has asked to me work on the Millennium Centre. It is the first project of its kind anywhere in the country and I am very proud that it is in St Helens.

"We will be looking for £150,000 over the next few months and £2 million in the long term to finish building a state-of-the-art home for organisations such as Mencap, Age Concern, the Physically Disabled Society and the Carers Association, along with NHS Primary Care and council services."

The Millennium Centre is beginning phase two of its building programme: the restoration of 6-12 Bickerstaffe Street into accommodation for charities.