A FORMER derelict building in Barnard Caste was officially opened as a carers' centre yesterday, after a six-month renovation project.

The new-look Teesdale Carers' Centre, in Barnard Castle, will act as a drop-in centre and meeting place for carers from across the dale.

The centre will also offer information, support and training opportunities to people in Teesdale who give up their free-time to care for dependent friends and members of their family.

The original carers centre was opened in Galgate, Barnard Castle, in 1996.

But thanks to funding from the John Richardson Charity Trust, a more central site was bought in Victoria Road.

The new building had stood empty and derelict for the past 15 years, but has now been given a makeover and extended to offer carers a place to meet.

The Teesdale Carers' Centre is funded and supported by the Durham Dales Primary Care Trust and Durham Social Services.

Anne Beeton, chairman of the Durham Dales Primary Care Trust, said: "The aim of this new venture was to create a new first-class community facility that supports those often unacknowledged individuals - carers."

The opening was welcomed by carers in Teesdale yesterday, who described the centre as an invaluable meeting place for volunteers.

Linda Edwards, a local carer, said: "The carers centre is there to help anyone who cares for dependent members of their family or friends in a voluntary capacity and not employed to do so.

"To have such an easily accessible carers centre in my locality has been fantastic, as there is always someone available to advise and assist with the sort of problems I have experienced."