A COUNTRYSIDE retreat has held an open day to showcase its work within the community.

LionMouth Rural Centre in Esh Winning, near Durham City, invited people to visit on Saturday.

The centre works with people who have suffered mental, physical and social problems by engaging them with hands on activities.

Volunteers develop skills in horticulture, conservation, art, ceramics and pottery.

A former volunteers’ kitchen at the centre was recently transformed into a retro style coffee shop.

The open day gave staff the chance to show their range of cakes, biscuits and other goodies and was attended by hundreds of people.

Centre manager Brigid Press said: “It was great, it was really, really good.

“The trigger was the opening of the coffee shop, but at the same time we wanted to show what all of our volunteers have been doing.

“We wanted spread the word about our work as people get an increased confidence, sense of belonging and do something worthwhile. They are creating something beautiful and learning skills along the way.”

The centre, at The Workshops, Broadgate, is looking for more people to take part in its schemes. To find out more call 0191-373-5531 or brigid@lionmouth.org.uk