THE Countess of Wessex is set to open Dawlish's new state-of-the-art youth centre.

Prince Edward's wife, Sophie (pictured), will unveil a plaque to mark the official opening of the £2.4million Red Rock centre next Friday.

She will be the VIP guest at the event ahead of the centre throwing its doors open to the public the following day after an 18-month long programme of construction.

The Countess will be joined by local dignitaries and those involved with bringing the dream of a new youth centre to fruition.

The vision to provide Dawlish with its own youth centre has been in the offing for eight years and represents years of hard work by charity Dawlish Action for Youth and local authorities.

Dawlish Action for Youth chairman Wally Protheroe said: "This is very exciting. We have been working on this for over 12 years and it seems very strange to be at this point, but we can now say that we have one of the best youth centres in the country."

The centre boasts modern facilities for young people aged between 13 and 19. It has a recording studio and editing suite, a games and social area, dance space with DJ booth, IT suite, offices and purpose designed suites where young people can learn vocational skills such as carpentry and general building.

There is also a hair salon, catering room and a restaurant that will be regularly open to the public.

Red Rock will also act as a hub for services such as health advice and will provide sessions for children aged between 10 and 13.

The building was constructed on land provided by Teignbridge District Council.

Funding was gained from Devon County Council, the Big Lottery Fund, Government programme MyPlace and Dawlish Town Council.

Dawlish county councillor John Clatworthy said: "This flagship centre will provide them with opportunities for training, education and socialising in a stimulating and supportive environment, as well as provide the local community with a superb 21st century facility to offer much-needed meeting and conference facilities in the town, and boost the local economy.

"I hope that the community will make full use of it.

"These opening events mark the culmination of a lot of hard work and dedication by a number of key organisations and individuals.

"It has been many years in development, but I'm sure that when everyone sees the excellent facilities on offer they will agree that it has been well worth the wait."

Devon County Council's Cabinet member for schools and skills Cllr Christine Channon said: "The town's young people have been instrumental in turning this long-awaited dream into a reality.

"Through Devon County Council's Youth Service and Dawlish Action for Youth, they have been involved at every stage of the planning and design of the centre: conducting surveys and providing feedback, raising funds, meeting with engineers and providing ideas on the design and equipment.

"They will even be involved in staffing the centre once it opens."

There will be a grand opening for the public on Saturday, September 11, at 10am, followed by a music event with local bands from 7pm until 10pm.

The event will include tours of the building with members of the youth work staff on hand to answer any questions.

There will also be the opportunity to talk to young people involved in the project about its benefits.