A new drop-in centre for the elderly and disabled in north Norfolk has been officially opened at Cromer.An Age Concern office previously based at Sheringham has switched locations and added extra services.

A new drop-in centre for the elderly and disabled in north Norfolk has been officially opened at Cromer.

An Age Concern office previously based at Sheringham has switched locations and added extra services.

People over 60, younger people with disabilities, or their families can get advice and help through the centre, called The Place.

Manager Sally Martin said it could give a wide range of guidance from care home and housing information to consumer advice, pensions and benefits help, as well as recommending tradesmen such as plumbers.

The centre also provides a link to a handyman service, which can help with DIY jobs such as fire alarms and door chains to hanging curtains. And it also runs a befriending service to provide companionship to the lonely - which is seeking more volunteers.

North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb, the Liberal Democrat health spokesman, opened the centre on Friday, January 30, praising the work of the centre and the charity in providing practical support for an aging population, and doing a lot to help keep people in their own homes for longer.

The new centre does not affect the running of Age Concern's day centre at the Sheringham's Good Companions Hall in Cremer Street, which provides meals, social contact, bathing, chiropody, hairdressing and keep fit.

The Place, in Church Street near the Overstrand Road traffic lights, is open 10am to 4pm weekdays, and can be contacted on 01263 519195, or e-mailed at ageconcern5@aol.com