YOUNG people from the YMCA opened their doors on Friday to the community to celebrate the first two years at their base in Burnham.

Deputy Mayor Dennis Davey attended and received a guided tour around the building by the young people, then stayed for lunch.

Along with the deputy mayor were members of Burnham and Highbridge Town Council, friends, staff, volunteers and supporters of the YMCA.

Rose Farm, formerly known as La Retraite, used to be home to the congregation of La Retraite, which ran the building as a school, attended by many people living in Burnham.

The YMCA agreed to take over the building with support from Sedgemoor District Council in 2012, and since then has provided housing and support for more than 50 young people through the project.

Site manager Angie Moreau said: “The building works so well with our residents. They do look after it, even – believe it or not – down to doing the vacuum cleaning and cooking for each other. It has had a really positive effect on many young people who now return to say hello and thanks.”

Martin Hodgson chief executive of YMCA Somerset Coast said: “It’s great to see a project starting from nothing to one which is really adding value to the community and to the lives of our young people. The environment here is very homely and prepares our residents for independent living.”