STAFF and patients celebrated the opening of a refurbished centre for people with mental health problems.

Ideal House at Allensway, Thornaby, near Stockton, has undergone a £180,000 refurbishment.

It has been tranformed into a full-time dedicated day centre with an integrated service.

Staff will work together at the centre to help people suffering from mental health problems.

Previously, the Tees East and North Yorkshire NHS centre was also used by Child and Family Services staff.

However, that department has now moved and a full mental health outpatient service, including one-to-one sessions and specialist support work, can be offered.

The refurbishment, which was paid for by Stockton Borough Council taxpayers, was opened by Ann McCoy, director for the NHS Trust.

A spokesman for the trust said: "This means our psychiatric staff will now work alongside outpatient and day services personnel to provide a truly integrated mental health service."

The team incorporates a consultant psychiatrist, nursing staff, social workers, occupational therapy staff, link workers and support staff.

There will also be a visiting art therapist and psychological therapist.