A CARE centre is to extend its opening hours for more evening and weekend activities.

The Pioneering Care Centre, in the Cobblers Hall area of Newton Aycliffe, will start the new programme in October.

Jane Hartley, chief executive of the Pioneering Care Partnership, said: "We are very pleased to be offering a new range of activities outside our usual hours and hope that more people will be able to take advantage of the centre as a result."

The new services and activities on offer include a Tuesday evening tai chi class from 6pm to 7pm.

The centre's hydrotherapy pool will be open for groups to book private sessions on Wednesday evenings.

Also on Wednesdays, chiropody, reflexology and reiki will be available until 8pm, and an introduction to counselling course will run from 6pm to 8pm, from October 8.

Thursday evenings will a combined back exercise class followed by a hydrotherapy session for £5.

Acupuncture and homeopathy will be available until 7pm and a beginners Spanish course will be held from 6pm to 8pm from October 2.

Hydrotherapy pool sessions for group and individual sessions will run between 10am and 1pm on Saturdays, and chiropodist Samantha Towers will be available for appointments from 10am to 1pm.

The centre's new Home Independence Shop, offering a variety of goods which promote independent living, ranging from bathing aids to personal care, will open from 10am to 1pm.

For therapy or pool appointments call (01325) 327444, for courses and classes call (01325) 321234, or minicom (01325) 313133.