THE county's first community launderette has been launched.
The Camelford Community Launderette was officially opened on Friday by the Lord Bishop of Truro, the RtRevd Tim Thornton and the Revd Steve Wild, chairman of Cornwall Methodist District.
It was established after a local vicar realised there was a real need for the service in the area where some people do not have enough money to buy their own washing machine.
The launch of the service came with a bit of bump for one of those behind the scheme after a stand fell and hit Revd Wild on the head at the moment the ceremonial ribbon was cut.
"It caused a great hilarity," said a spokesperson for the new scheme.
"Business carried on as usual as the event took place with mums and kids using the machines and then joining in the celebration."
A launderette, which is on Camelford high street near the Methodist Chapel, also aims to be a place for people to meet.
"As the Local Action Group is nearing the end of its funding programme, it is keen to leave a long term legacy," saidLinda Emmett, East Cornwall Local Action Group manager.
"We are happy to support a project such as the community-run launderette which meets our aim to provide new services and facilities in rural communities, especially innovative projects such as this. We hope everyone in Camelford gets behind the venture, making use of the facility to help the launderette achieve long term sustainability."
As part of the launch, local children from Camelford Community Primary School performed songs and Brenda Oliver, founding member of Camelford Community Launderette, told the story of the service as she addressed the assembled guests which included a Nigerian Methodist Bishop visiting Cornwall to see examples of church work in the UK.
"A real sense of community spirit was about the place," said the launderette spokesperson.
"To finish off, the children were given bubbles to play with, in keeping with the launderette theme of suds and soap, there were bubbles flying all over the place."
