AGE Concern County Durham has opened a new centre in Chilton.

The move came because of an expansion in services and an increase in staff and volunteer numbers.

Sedgefield borough mayor, Councillor Jackie Piggott, officially opened the premises at Rosewood Grange.

Services such as the Handyvan will be based at the centre, which will also send outreach activities to other communities.

Harriet Gibbon, Age Concern County Durham's chief officer, said funding from the borough council, Sedgefield Primary Care Trust and Durham County Council Health and Social Care had made it possible for the organisation to expand.

She said: "We have developed a successful Handyvan service and are now expanding out Ageing Well programme, which offers healthy lifestyle activities for those aged 50 and above."

An Older Persons Network is also based at the centre, which is on (01388) 720064.