A NEW learning skills centre for adults with disabilities has been opened in Bishop Auckland.

The Innovations Skills Centre Station, in Westgate Road, Bishop Auckland, was officially launched on Wednesday, February 25.

It provides facilities to allow those using it to gain development skills through a range of courses, including woodwork, arts and crafts, cake decorating and gardening.

Jennifer Howe, director of Innovations, said: “It is about lots of little projects and doing development work with people. They can engage with skills to help with their future development.

“We provide the service to people with disabilities, not just those with learning disabilities but mental health, elderly and physical disabilities.

“It is all about developing and skills training and finding the right environment that suits the individual.”

Innovations has a number of centres across County Durham, including two more in Bishop Auckland, and ones in Spennymoor, Shildon and Peterlee. There are also plans to open a site in Lanchester shortly.

Mrs Howe added: “Across all our centres we look after about 200 people every day. Our projects are so beneficial and make a big difference. The new facility is a lovely addition.”