The Department of Education's new meeting place for young people in Douglas town centre is officially up and running.

Cafe Laare, located in the former Travel Shop in Lord Street, opened its doors without fanfare just over a month ago, and was an immediate success.

At the weekend political member of the Departmentment of Education Graham Cregeen, MHK, unveiled a commemorative plaque.

Downstairs is a coffee bar selling drinks and snacks. The coffee is freshly ground and much of the food for sale will be produced by the Isle of Man . There are also two iMac computers, for use by customers.

The first floor is a lounge with a different ambience. Throughout the building, lighting levels can be adjusted to suit the mood and coloured LED lighting spills out from the ceilings. WiFi is available on both floors and young people's artwork will eventually be on display.

Among guests at the official opening were Chief Minister Tony Brown, Education Minister Anne Craine, Home Affairs Minister Adrian Earnshaw, Tourism and Leisure Minister Martyn Quayle and the Mayor of Douglas, Councillor Michael Gelling, who were shown the facilities on offer.

The opening hours for Cafe Laare are: Monday to Thursday, 4pm to 6pm; Friday, 4pm to 11pm; Saturday, 11am to 11pm; and Sunday, 1pm to 5pm.

Cafe Laare means 'centre' in Manx Gaelic.