DURING the week that Lydney remembered its fallen, a former old soldiers' club has been given a new lease of life as a centre for the whole community.

The Royal British Legion Club fell on hard times earlier this year and has been rescued and transformed by local businessman John Thurston through the Lydney and Aylburton Community Trust, set-up by his great uncle John Watts.

The new venue is now known simply as 3 Hill Street.

The listed building by the town's level crossing was at one time the headquarters for the Severn and Wye Valley Railway and is now on track to forge new links with the Dean Forest Railway.

Wedding parties may arrive by train to celebrate in the newly-refurbished building.

Watts Group chairman John Thurston, who is keen to continue the legacy of both his uncles John and Melville, has overseen the transformation of the interior.

Upstairs is the main function room "now called the Watney Hall" which will hold up to 140 guests.

Also on the first floor is a games room with snooker tables which form part of John's plan to foster team sports like darts and cribbage to bring in the custom.

Old soldiers continue to meet there and have their own office facilities.

The new manager is Perry Johnson.

"I think the potential here is massive," said the 51-year-old dad who will oversee the catering and running of the premises. He and John Thurston are convinced that the combination of food, functions, fun and fellowship will put 3 Hill Street on the map.