A CHARITY which had to sell off its headquarters to secure its financial future has officially opened its new building.

Finchale Group, which moved to Belmont Industrial Estate, Durham, last year, unveiled a plaque to officially open its new home at Richard Annand House, named after the Victoria Cross winner who worked as a personnel officer at Finchale Training College after the Second World War.

It was purpose built for the charity, which provides training and education and has strong links with the armed forces.

Chairman Bill McGawley said the charity was now recovering from a period of "intensive care" after struggling financially, leading to it sell its former headquarters at Finchale Training College.

The college has since been knocked down ahead of the development of a housing estate.

Mr McGawley said: "The company was in trouble but thanks to the foresight of the council in allowing us to get planning consent and allowing us to market the asset, we have re-financed the business, invested in the right size facility and recruited some really good people.

"The demand for our services is getting bigger and bigger and we have to fund ourselves down that route but the ship is sailing in more comfortable waters now."

He added: "This building has transformed people's thinking."

The Northern Echo:

Lord Lieutenant Sue Snowdon officially opened Richard Annand House, at Belmont Industrial Estate

The building was opened by Lord Lieutenant Sue Snowden, who had the opportunity to meet staff and some of the people who have benefited from Finchale's work.

Among them were Holly Hawley, Hannah Berry, Kayleigh Wagstaffe and Patricia Ingram, who travelled from RAF Dishforth, where they have have been taking part in floristry and massage classes as part of Finchale's new "female force" project, working with partners and families of those in active service.

Mrs Hawley, a mum of five, said: "There are limited activities on camp and there's not a lot of support. We like to keep busy but there isn't a lot to do.

The Northern Echo:

"This is one of the best courses we've been offered. It's helped us get a bit closer as well."

The charity has also started a "family force" programme, working with veterans and their families, an apprenticeship scheme and is working in some schools with young people aged between 11 and 16.