YOUNGSTERS with special educational needs and disabilities can now benefit from a £130,000 multi-sensory room.

The state of the art facility at Spennymoor Leisure Centre is designed to stimulate the senses, including sound, vision, movement and smell, to enhance their awareness of the environment.

Durham County Council has funded the facility, believed to be one of the largest of its kind in the North-East.

John Robinson, chairman of the county council, officially opened the room.

He said: “This new centre is a fantastic facility and I am delighted to see it open in County Durham.

“It will enhance the lives of our young people and I hope the children enjoy using it. I would also like to thank the staff and artists who created it.”

The room is completely interactive and it is open to pre-school plus to parents whose children have disabilities or special educational needs.

Amongst its features are bubble tubes, a sound light floor, moving light scanners, a ceiling track hoist and an ultra violet dark room.

Mark Lee, manager of the leisure centre, said: “Information was gathered from other facilities to make sure we can offer the best possible service to residents.”

Details about the facility can be obtained from the centre on 03000-261161 or via email at leisure-spennymoor@durham.gov.uk