A CHARITY for residents with learning disabilities is celebrating the completion of an ambitious project to completely overhaul its centre.

Northallerton and the Dales Mencap Society has spent several years fundraising to renovate and extend its centre on Goosecroft Lane in Northallerton.

After many months of fundraising and contributions from national trusts and foundations, building work began in September last year.

On Saturday, the new centre was officially opened by former Richmond MP, Lord Hague of Richmond, who has been president of the society since 1999.

He unveiled a commemorative plaque on the building, which has been renamed the Goosecroft Centre, before cutting a celebration cake with members and supporters.

Northallerton and the Dales Mencap Society opened the Mencap Centre in November 1982 in a converted wine warehouse at the north end of Northallerton High Street.

Over the years it became so popular with people who have a learning disability, their families and carers and other local community groups, that the committee were encouraged to consider extending the premises to bring the facilities up-to-date. Work included a larger kitchen, which can be used for training, and a Changing Places toilet specifically geared for people with disabilities. The outside of the building was also renovated.

While the building work was underway, Northdale Horticulture provided uses of its premises on Yafforth Road for the Mencap group. Construction was carried out by Moody Brothers Ltd of Northallerton and the project was supported by staff from Turner and Townsend who gave their time and expertise free of charge.

It is believed the project cost in the region of half a million pounds.

The centre will continue to be used by Breathing Spaces, which provides activities and evening classes for adults with learning difficulties in North Yorkshire, and offers respite for their families.

The new space should also allow both charities and other groups to offer more training courses and activities.

Frits Rab, chairman of Northallerton and the Dales Mencap Society said: “We are very grateful to everyone who has helped us to complete this project and for the support with fundraising and practical tasks. The centre is now called the ‘Goosecroft Centre’ to reflect its important role within the community as well as remaining the home of local Mencap.’’