DISABLED youngsters can make the most of the facilities at a children's centre after the installation of a stairlift.

The £5,000 lift for the centre in Northallerton - which provides assessment, therapy and early education for disabled youngsters and gives counselling and support to parents - was funded by the Friends of the Friarage Hospital.

Hazel Lock, secretary at the Children's Centre, said: "Before we had the stairlift, staff were very frustrated because they had facilities upstairs and children with more complex disabilities were unable to fully make use of them. Thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Friarage, the children can now access the multi-sensory room in safety and comfort."

Brian Thompson, chairman of the Friends of the Friarage, said: "We are delighted to be able to provide the Children's Centre with this stairlift, and hope that the children enjoy using the facilities available upstairs."