VISITORS are being given a rare chance to glimpse behind the doors of an historic police treatment centre that has given a lifeline to thousands of officers.

St Andrews, the Police Treatment Centre in Harrogate, is throwing open its doors to the general public next month as part of Heritage Open Days.

The centre dates back to 1899 but had extensive redevelopment in the 1990s and now boasts a state-of-the-art physiotherapy unit and rehabilitation gym to help police officers get back to full fitness following injury or illness.

The centre is one of just two such facilities in the country - the other being in Perthshire - and between them they treat 4,000 serving or retired police officers every year.

Visitors to St Andrews will be able to learn more about Catherine Gurney, who founded the Police Treatment Centres charity in 1889, and delve into the organisation’s history.

Another element of the Heritage Open Day will be a visit from the volunteer canine therapy service, Leonberger Therapy Dogs.

They visit the centre once a week for a couple of hours and offer comfort, happiness and emotional wellbeing to the patients.

Many patients staying at the centres are dog owners themselves, or work with dogs, and while away from home or work they miss their canine companions.

As a result they benefit from the opportunity to interact with the therapy dogs.

Visitors will also get the opportunity to speak to police officers who have attended the centre for treatment themselves.

One patient explains the impact that a stay in the centre had on him, saying: “The PTC Police (Treatment Centre) has provided me with a safe and relaxing environment in which to reflect and come to terms with my situation.

“I have not only been able to focus on my body, but the wellbeing programme has enabled me to also focus my mind and given me valuable skills to take away that will improve my quality of life.”

A recovering North Yorkshire Police officer added: “If it wasn’t for my stay here I would be months away from making a recovery.”

Throughout the open day refreshments will be available in exchange for a small donation which will help to support the services the charity provides to injured and ill police officers.

The centre, on Harlow Moor Road in Harrogate, will be open from 10.30am until 4pm on Sunday, September 10.

Heritage Open Days is the largest heritage festival in the country.