THE Mayor of Barnet joined celebrations to mark the tenth anniversary of a community centre in East Finchley.

Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Anthony Finn and his wife, mayoress Anita Finn, were welcomed to the Green Man Community Centre, in Strawberry Vale, on Tuesday, November 23.

The centre for people living on and around the Strawberry Vale estate caters for all ages with activities ranging from children’s parties to pensioners’ lunch clubs.

Thanks were given to the current Green Man management group and the new centre manager Mark Healey was introduced.

Mr Healey said: “I am really grateful the committee has given me this opportunity to help them develop the community centre for the benefit of the local community and I am looking forward to getting to know everyone in the area and seeing how we can all work together.

“We are currently looking at introducing more activities and getting more resources which people can take part in or use.”

Cllr Finn said: “What the centre has done so far is marvellous.

“Keep up the good work here and in ten years' time we want to be here again, celebrating the centre thriving and growing under its new manager.”

Cllr Finn and Mr Healey unveiled the centre’s new sign and guests were invited to take a tour of the facilities.

Future plans include a fair in January offering advice on issues including stopping smoking and careers advice.

Centre members are also planning to celebrate the royal wedding in April with a street party.