A COMMUNITY one-stop shop will stage an open day to tell South Durham residents about the work it does to boost their health and quality of life.

The Pioneering Care Centre, in Newton Aycliffe, will hold the event on Tuesday May 23, between 10am and 4pm.

Visitors can book a free dip in the hydrotherapy pool, take part in free complementary therapy taster sessions or enjoy a guided health walk.

The Gardening Volunteers Group, based at the centre, will be present and want to recruit more people to get them involved in the community by helping on a green project.

They are taking part in a six-month campaign, called Environment Agency Action Earth, organised by the national charity Community Service Volunteers, to encourage more helpers to undertake projects of immediate and lasting benefit to the environment.

There will also be information on the Home Independent Service, local learning opportunities and other health projects based at the centre.

Gill Macnab, events and publicity officer for the Pioneering Care Partnership which runs the centre, said: "This is an excellent opportunity for local people to discover what is available at the Pioneering Care Centre, whilst enjoying the many things on offer."

For more details, or to book a free hydrotherapy pool session, contact (01325) 321234, fax (01325) 301129 or minicom (01325) 313133.