AN application has been submitted to Middlesbrough Council to open a centre for carers in the town centre.

It will offer advice on benefits and pensions, job opportunities, bereavement support and a befriending service, support group information and alternative therapies.

"Having a centre like this reassures them that they are not alone,'' said Andy McMann, manager of Stockton Borough Carers' Resource Centre.

Councillor Brenda Thompson, executive member for health and social care with the council, said: "The new centre in Middlesbrough will help us fulfil our commitment to the thousands of carers in the borough. We want the centre and its services to be accessible to all of them."