AN ex-con who discovered a passion for fitness during a spell behind bars is on a mission to get kids off the streets by revamping a derelict community centre in Upper Gornal.

"I see some kids on my estate following in my old footsteps and it kills me to think where they are going to end up," said Wade Cooper, who is hoping to secure the lease for the Vale Street Community Centre from Dudley Council and bring the shabby building back to life as the Black Country Wellbeing Centre.

"As a teenager on a council estate suffering with my mental health, with no GCSEs or job, I started to commit petty crimes out of boredom and to earn money.

"One thing led to another and by the age of 22 I was doing a nine year, two month prison sentence."

Wade was jailed in 2006 for causing death by dangerous driving and drug offences.

The 34-year-old, who lives in Upper Gornal, said he had "a hell of a lot of remorse" for his crimes but used his time in prison to turn his life around.

"This is why I feel able to talk to these kids," he said.

"I strongly believe that if there was a facility like what we have planned for me to put my drive into as a kid, I would have gone down a totally different path.

"They need good role models and dreams to chase."

The personal trainer has big ideas for the centre, in addition to running fitness classes - including yoga, boxing and mixed martial arts - there are plans to house a healthy snack bar, music studio and art gallery within the centre.

Wade also wants to host mental health awareness events, crime prevention talks, OAP mornings, sensory classes for children with special needs and offer employment opportunities and apprenticeships for school leavers.

Upper Gornal councillor Dean Perks has backed the plans and liaised with the council to discuss the lease.

He said: "Wade just wants to help stop kids making the mistakes he did. This would be a great asset for the community."

However it hasn't been smooth sailing and cllr Perks said it will cost thousands of pounds to get the project up and running as a law change on April 1 means the building must have an Energy Performance Certificate rating before it can be used, which he said would "cost thousands".

Wade said there is a long list of things that need doing to get the run-down building up to scratch - including insulation, electrics and flooring - and although his former boss, Dean Hiscox of Daneways Surfacing and Construction, has agreed to be the main sponsor, he hopes more borough businesses will get on board and "save the day".

He added: "We need the support of local businesses to back us and donate anything they may be able to help with."

Any businesses that want to get involved should call Wade on 07543613435.