A NEW charity support and information centre in Accrington’s Arndale Centre has officially opened its doors.

Mayor of Hyndburn, Coun Judith Addison, cut the ribbon and declared the Caritas Care Centre open.

It is the charity’s first multi-service centre in the town, and will host React, a project for people with learning difficulties, and information and advice on fostering and adoption.

She said: “Given that more than 4,000 children are waiting to be adopted in the north west, it is essential that Caritas Care promotes itself in East Lancashire, so many more adopters and foster carers can be recruited to meet this need.

“Their presence in Hyndburn is very welcome.”

Director of services at Caritas Care, Amanda Forshaw, added: “We hope this centre will encourage more people within the community to come forward and obtain the right support and information they may need.

“Our service centre offers free, informal and confidential advice on everything from fostering and adoption, to hearing and disability support.”

Free sessions will be held every Tuesday from 10am to 4pm.

For more information, call 0800 652 6955 or visit www.caritascare.org.uk