A SPECIAL lifeline centre closed 16-months-ago because of financial problems has reopened in time for Christmas.

Residents who flocked to the reopening Christmas lunch at the Dales Centre in Bedale said it had been “sorely missed” since closing down in August 2016.

Trustees say they have had to change the way the independent day centre is run, now unable to offer care, but are keen to encourage people of all different ages to go along.

Charles Ropner, chair of the trustees said: “Donors have been very generous in helping us to reopen, it has taken a lot of effort but the centre has been refitted and is looking wonderful.

“We want to reach out to people who maybe isolated and lonely and who need emotional support and interaction.

“We want people to feel that they belong, that this is their centre and it’s very important that we get support.”

In the past the centre has provided care, but no longer has the staff to do that.

Now up to 30 volunteers have been recruited to help support the manager opening two days a week on Tuesday and Thursday.

Long time regular visitor Jean Lancaster, 90, said: “It is good that it is back and it’s good to see so many people here, we just hope it continues because it is important for local people, they do feel it is their centre.”

Linda Harper, 69, added: “It has been very badly missed, because there is nowhere else like it for people to go in this area, it’s lovely to see people I haven’t seen for 16 months.

“That’s the concern that there really isn’t a place like this for people to meet up on a regular basis.”

Joyce Booth, 82, said: “This is such a boost for Christmas for a lot of people, it gives us the chance to get back together with friends we just don’t see.

“A centre like this is an important place for elderly and isolated people.

“It’s been a lifeline for many, a chance to have lunch and a chat and meet up.”

The centre is launching a loyalty system to encourage people to use it regularly.

It will be open from 10am to 2pm, Tuesday and Thursday.

The centre was originally opened over 25-years-ago, and at one time had a service for people with Alzheimers but that was withdrawn.

It operates independently and does not get public funding.

Facilities such as the Dales Centre have become increasingly important as years of austerity have seen services cut or reduced as councils try to make budget savings.