RESIDENTS of Stokesley will soon be able to visit a new community resource centre.

The purpose-built centre 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 working between North Yorkshire County Council's social services directorate, Broadacres Housing and Hambleton District Council.

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

The centre will stock £40,000 of new items including books, DVDs, videos and PlayStation games. There will also be a Text4teens-zone with a PlayStation console.

Also available with be an area for younger children as well as a cafe, toilets, baby-changing facilities and complete disabled access.

The county council's executive member for community services, Chris Metcalfe, 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 county council's commitment to providing excellent local services.

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

The centre was opened by Councillor Michael Heseltine, chairman of North Yorkshire County Council.

A full programme of events celebrating the launch of the centre is planned throughout this month and October.