A DAY centre especially designed to cater for the needs of elderly people in Tynemouth has been created in the town with the co-operation of Help the Aged, North Tyneside Social Services department and a church.
Their efforts were rewarded last Friday when the Duchess of Northumberland officially opened Tynemouth Village Day Centre. She also accepted the keys of a Help the Aged minibus which was presented to the centre by Mr Tom Breen, Help the Aged's director of UK operations.
The Mayor of North Tyneside, Coun Frank Mavin, attended the presentation with representatives of North Tyneside Social Services department and members of the WRVS.
Rev. Richard Taylor said : "It is very hard to persuade elderly people who have been brought up to be independent to accept any sort of help, even if they are very lonely.
"The co-operation between the church, Help the Aged and the social services has created a centre that answers the needs of Tynemouth people."
The day centre, which was funded by Help the Aged, North Tyneside Social Services and the Holy Saviours Tynemouth Parochial Church Council, can cater for around 100 elderly people.
In the picture above (l to r) are the Mayoress of North Tyneside, Mrs Ann Mavin; the Rev Richard Taylor, the Mayor, Coun Movin; the Duchess of Northumberland; Mr Breen and WRVS organiser Mrs Chris Mason.