A day centre for people with learning disabilities opened in Darlington yesterday.

Dr Will Elliot, of Whinfield Surgery, in Whinfield Way, performed the opening ceremony for the Ruby Centre yesterday.

The building is in Pease Street, with an entrance off Cobden Street, and is next to the Cornerstone residential care home.

Owner Joan McManners opened the home in 1988 after looking for somewhere for her brother, John, to live.

Following the 1993 Community Care Act, she was able to establish day services and activities for residents.

The new centre is named after Mrs McManners' mother, Ruby, who died recently, and has enabled the services it provides to be offered to non-residents.

The centre, which is managed by Susanne McVay, will be open seven days a week, 365 days a year, with two sessions a day from 9am to 3pm and 3pm to 9pm.

It will offer a range of life skills for daily living and activities such as yoga. It also boasts a sensory room and has links with Darlington College of Technology.

Anyone wanting further information can either visit the centre or phone (01325) 240654.