THE first dedicated drop-in centre in north-west Durham for people suffering from dementia and their carers will open next month.

The Alzheimer's Society has turned its offices in Consett, into a day club and drop-in centre, after being awarded a £29,000 grant.

Alistair White, from the centre, said: "This is the first day centre of its kind in Derwentside. We have been working on this for 18 months and it is great to see it come to fruition."

The charity's staff have moved their offices to elsewhere in the building to make room for the centre, which will offer computer access and a library. There will also be an activities leader who will run programmes such as aromatherapy and reflexology.

Money for the refurbishment came from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, the Chase charity, the Northern Rock Foundation, the County Durham Foundation and the Single Regeneration Budget.

North Durham MP Kevan Jones will open the centre on Friday, June 6, at 11.30am.