AN information and advice centre for older people will open in Darlington next year.

Age Concern plans to launch the facility in Clark's Yard, in the town centre, in January.

The charity wants to offer people aged 50 and over a one-stop shop in the town centre where they can access a wide range of services.

It also hopes to raise its profile in the town by having a "shop window" in a prominent location.

Age Concern chief officer Geoffrey Crute said: "The idea is to set up a specialist information and advice service for over 50s. We also want to develop membership in the town, and having another premises will give us some flexibility and movement at our base in Beaumont Street."

Chairman Charles Johnson said: "We want to make this the charity that people in Darlington know and we are confident the shop will help us do that."