A CENTRE giving women victims of domestic abuse a place of refuge has been officially opened.

The refuge gives victims from across Wearside and County Durham the privacy of their own flat, while supporting them through their problems.

Newsreader Pam Royle visited the home for its official launch and spoke to users before presenting them with a cheque for £6,500 - raised by the staff of the Three Rivers Housing Group, which runs the centre.

The cash was raised through a football match between its employees and ex-professionals, including ex-Sunderland AFC players Gary Bennett and Mick Horswill.

The event, at the Darlington Arena, raised £13,000, with the money split between the refuge and Football in the Community.

The extra funds will be used to expand services, improve the standard of accommodation and support a new employee to care for children at the refuge.

Ms Royle said: "I was very pleased to be involved and hope it may lead to more women knowing there are safe places for them to go. The staff are remarkable and give the women and children tremendous support and strength."

Home Office figures show 32,697 domestic incidents were reported in County Durham between 2001 and 2006.