A TOWN'S senior citizens are looking forward to more day trips and easier access to a popular day centre thanks to a new minibus.

Every week, more than 100 elderly people visit Helen McArdle Care's Westerleigh Day Centre, in Stanley.

Because of the rise in demand from people needing to be transported between their homes and the centre, and the popularity of outings the centre organises, Helen McArdle Care has bought another a mini-bus which has been adapted for wheelchairs.

Former miner Fred Clark, 86, of Chester-le-Street, said: "I really look forward to coming to the centre and particularly enjoy the music because I've just started playing my mouth organ again. I also enjoy the armchair aerobics."

Day centre manager Pauline Dargue said: "Many of our visitors have trouble getting out of the house so it is great that we can pick them up in the morning and drop them off in the afternoon or early evening when they are ready to go home. "

The mini-bus service caters for people from as far a field as Moorside and Chester-le-Street.

For more information call Ms Dargue on (01207) 280431.