OVER-50s using the day care at a Darwen charity will be able to sit outside and enjoy the sun in safety after an ornate new fence was installed.

Bosses at Derwent Hall in George Street have had the fencing made and erected to protect users of the charity’s facility close to Darwen town centre.

The fence will also improve security at the day care centre, which was first opened in 1997.

Apprentices at Darwen firm WEC have produced the metal fence, which features small Darwen Towers within it, and bosses at the company agreed to donate the fence for free.

Travis Perkins provided the concrete to fix the fencing in place and also donated this to the charity.

Derwent Hall centre manager Julie Brindle said she had wanted to put up the fencing for some time and was delighted it was finally in place. She said: “It had been an issue for us as people can’t sit outside without a member of staff because they could get run over.

“But we want them to be able to, that is if the sun ever comes out again!

“People do like to sit outside once it gets sunny. The fencing looks brilliant, especially with the little Darwen Towers in it.”

Derwent Hall was opened in 1947 to look after the town’s elderly and it puts on a host of activities and provides a space for people to get together and make new friends.

It also hosts a luncheon club every day.

The day care centre provides a lounge, treatment room and adapted bathroom for up to 15 people per day.

Darwen councillor Karimeh Foster said she had been speaking to Mrs Brindle about the possibility of getting new fencing.

She said: “They asked if WEC would help and I said I would ask the owner, Steve Hartley. Steve said of course, as always.

“He is a really good man for the town and whenever we ask him for help he will do it for the community.

“He has done so much all over the town.”