RESIDENTS of a North Yorkshire town will soon be able to visit a modern community resource centre.

The purpose-built centre in Stokesley will deliver a range of services designed to meet the needs of the local community in the 21st Century.

The centre has been built as a result of partnership between North Yorkshire County Council's social services directorate, Broadacres Housing and Hambleton District Council.

Services it will offer include a library and information service, access to the county registration of births, marriages and deaths, and employment training.

The centre will stock £40,000 of items, including books, DVDs, videos and Playstation games.

There will be a Text4teens zone, complete with a Playstation console.

There will also be an area for younger children, as well as a cafe, toilets and baby changing facilities and complete disabled access.

Chris Metcalfe, the county council's executive member for community services, said: "The county council is committed to improving access to all its services and has invested considerable resources in upgrading its library and information centres into one-stop access points.

"Centres such as the one in Stokesley are an example of good partnership working and the council's commitment to providing excellent local services.

"The centre will have a broad appeal to all age groups and is something I residents will be proud of."

The centre was opened by Councillor Michael Heseltine, chairman of the county council. A full programme of events celebrating the launch of the centre is planned.