A CADET centre in Flintshire has reopened in memory of a guardsman who died in action.

Holywell Cadet Centre on Halkyn Street was last night rededicated to David Roberts, 1st Battalion The Welsh Guards, who was killed by a roadside bomb in Northern Ireland in 1973.

Dozens gathered to witness the grade II listed building, built in 1914 as the Holywell Drill Hall, open its doors after 12 months of refurbishment work.

Chief executive colonel Nick Beard said: “It gives the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for Wales enormous pleasure to be able to refurbish this building for the benefit of the cadets in and around Holywell.

“The cadet organisations are buoyant and inspire youth movements that provide challenging adventurous and community activities which motivate young people to succeed in life with a spirit of service to their country and their local community.”

David, who joined the army after giving up his job as a welder, was killed a week after he arrived in Northern Ireland to begin his tour of duty in South Armagh.

He was on foot patrol in Crossmaglen when he was killed by a hidden claymore-type device detonated by radio control.

Businesses in Holywell closed for the afternoon of his funeral, with 500 people packing the parish church for the service.

Col Beard added: “It is right and fitting that the building be rededicated to the memory of guardsman David Roberts who as a local man was a member of the Army Cadet Force before joining the Welsh Guards.”