THE first dedicated drop-in centre in north-west Durham for people suffering from dementia and their carers, opens its doors next week.

The Alzheimer's Society has transformed its offices in Trafalgar Street, Consett, into a day club and drop in, with a £29,000 grant.

Alistair White, who works at the centre, said: "This is the first day centre of its kind in Derwentside. We have been working on this for 18 months and it is great to see it come to fruition."

The centre will offer computer access and a library. There will also be an activities leader, who will run programmes such as aromatherapy and reflexology.

Cash for the refurbishment came from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, the Chase charity, the Northern Rock Foundation, the County Durham Foundation and the Single Regeneration Budget.

North Durham MP Kevan Jones will officially open the centre on Friday, June 6, at 11.30am.