A UNIQUE centre providing vital support for people with physical, mental and emotional difficulties has officially opened its doors.

After 12 year of fundraising and campaigning, the Pendragon Multi-Sensory Centre in Northallerton invited 200 people along for a launch event.

Such is the popularity of the cause and its recognised need, that only two people were unable to attend because they were away on holiday.

Chairman of the Pendragon Community Trust, David Kerfoot said: “It’s been an emotional day, it has been hard to keep back the tears at times. So many people have helped to bring the Pendragon Centre to where it is.

“It’s all paid for. Now all we have to do is raise the money to keep it going. The need is so great - it fulfils a really important role.

“We have had people from all over the region and everyone has been so impressed by what is on offer.”

The day centre, at the Omega business village, on Thurston Road, has a huge range of sensory, therapeutic and developmental facilities offering support and care for people of all ages with disabilities, their families and carers. They can get respite and relaxation as well as a chance to meet and get together.

There is a large studio with multi-sensory equipment for groups of up to 18 as well as a smaller area for up to two people, along with hoist facilities and purpose built changing rooms.

The centre’s supporters say they have gone for the “wow factor” to encourage visitors to have fun.

Mr Kerfoot said the aim is to provide a valuable opportunity not only for those with special needs, but siblings and whole families to have fun and relax together. Qualified and specialist staff work at the centre, which is backed by a lottery grant.

He added: “With all that has happened in our communities, the pressure on carers and parents to have somewhere to go and do something different is immense. We have had such a lot of people telling us that this is something that has been needed for a very long time.

“The generosity of communities, and businesses has been wonderful in helping us to get here. Judging by the reaction it’s all been worthwhile.”

For bookings see www.pendragon-ct.org.