A COMMUNITY organisation which has been raising money for 12 years to buy its own building has finally purchased a new centre for people with disabilities.

The Pendragon Community Trust, based in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, has purchased a new building on the town’s Omega Industrial Estate, off Darlington Road.

The trust is planning to turn it into an interactive sensory centre for people with moderate and profound special needs.

It has been raising money to buy its own building ever since it was set up 12 years ago and every penny raised has gone to the project.

David Kerfoot, who established the trust with his wife, Elizabeth, said: “Every penny we’ve raised has gone into the project. If someone has given us £1 it’s gone to the project.

“This is a major step for us. We were able to pay cash for it with the funds we raised.”

Mr Kerfoot could not say how much the organisation had paid for the building, but added that the next step for the charity is now to raise money to install it with sensory equipment and to pay for staffing. Planning permission is already in place for the project.

When complete, the building will have light and sensory units suitable for severely disabled adults and zones with different activities to provide disabled people with a range of stimuli.

“The vision is there, we have the building. We’re now trying to raise funds to put the equipment in place,” said Mr Kerfoot.

“We want it to be bright, alive, alert and all sorts of fun.”

Anybody who would like to get involved in the project now, or once it is up and running, or who wishes to help with fundraising should contact David Kerfoot on; 01609-766790 or email; david.kerfoot@kerfootgroup.co.uk