Young people in Newport are now able to enjoy some of the most up-to-date facilities in the country after the official opening of a solar-powered youth shelter and games area.

Newport football star Adam Proudlock, who plays for Stockport County, was joined by dignitaries and young people for the ceremony at Norbroom Park.

The hi-tech shelter is a flagship for Telford & Wrekin Council’s ongoing policy to boost recreational facilities for young people in the town.

Teenagers have been instrumental in its design, calling in particular for low energy “green” features. A wireless Bluetooth programme allows youngsters to transfer music from their mobile phones onto the youth shelter’s speakers so they can listen to their favourite sounds. The area also has a solar-powered radio which is set at an unobtrusive volume and will not play after 10pm.

Councillor Denis Allen, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for community services, said: “This will be a great new facility for young people in Newport and will give the town a UK first and one of the best equipped areas in the borough for outdoor activities.

“The shelter technology will really appeal to young people, so they can play their own music or listen to the radio.”

This is the 26th youth shelter installed in the borough.