KIRKBYMOORSIDE'S new all-embracing community office, converted from a former public toilet, was hailed as a potential great asset to the residents of the market town and its neighbouring villages at its official opening last Saturday.

The centre, which has been funded by Yorkshire Forward, the regional development, agency, Ryedale District Council, the Town Council, Business Link and other agencies, provides the area with a comprehensive one-stop shop - including a police station on the top floor!

Sarah Gray, the office manager, said its many uses would include a local area office for Ryedale District Council, free access to the internet, photo-copying, providing tourist and entertainment information, and people would also be able to set up an e-mail account at no cost, she said.

In addition, Ryedale MP John Greenway will use it as his surgery, and the YMCA Learning Link would also have a base at the centre, helping young people to improve their job prospects.

Relate, the marriage guidance and family help organisation, will also be based at the centre, said Ms Gray.

The Job Centre's benefits adviser will be available each Monday morning and people will also be able to get help on job vacancies.

For many years, the building, in The Shambles, was a well-known fish and chip shop but became a public loo in the 1950s, a role it kept until about four years ago when a new complex was built in the Market Place car park.

Ms Gray said: "The centre has a great deal going for it. It will be a place where people can get a host of information and it will act as a sign-posting agency.

"If we don't know all the answers we shall be able to point people in the right direction to find them."

She added; "I am certain it will enhance the quality of life for local residents. The internet facilities have already proved popular, especially with some sceptical older people."

The centre was formally opened by one of Kirkbymoorside's best-loved characters, Harry Rickaby, the town's oldest resident, who celebrates his 95th birthday in two weeks.

A retired headmaster, he said: "The centre is a wonderful achievement - I am sure it will be a great success."

Mr Rickaby, a native of Kirkbymoorside, returned to the town on his retirement in 1973 with his late wife, Nancy, a district nurse, after spending a lifetime in teaching. He was a former urban councillor at Skelton and Brotton, and head of schools at Lingdale, Skelton and Leeming.

"I have never lost touch with Kirby - it's the Jewel of Ryedale. I have made many friends here since I retired," said Mr Rickaby.

He helped mastermind the development of the sportsfield and its activities, was a founder of Kirkbymoorside Golf Club, and is still president of the town's bowling club. He played cricket for the town, served as a magistrate, and was on the general council of Northern Arts, on the BBC radio council.

Coun Gary Hobbs, who represents the town on Ryedale District Council, and is chairman of the community office trustees, described Mr Rickaby as "a legend in his own time and in his own town".

He praised everyone for their efforts in bringing the dream of the community office to reality. "It is a wonderful project and one which will be an asset to the whole town and its neighouring villages."

Updated: 09:21 Wednesday, October 02, 2002