DEMENTIA sufferers now have access to state of the art facilities at a newly refurbished centre in Brierley Hill.

The centre on Brettell Lane, which now boasts a relaxing sensory room, themed 1970s and 1980s rooms and a garden with a designated circuit walk, was officially reopened by Dudley Mayor, councillor Alan Finch.

The centre, which supports 1,300 dementia sufferers along with their carers and families, has also been renamed as The Crystal Gateway, following a competition.

Service user Ivy Tomkins provided the winning suggestion to reflect the area's close links with the glass industry and she was presented with an engraved crystal vase by cllr Finch.

The service, which brings together experts from different professional disciplines to provide care and support for people with dementia, is a "model to follow" according to cllr Dave Branwood, cabinet member for adult and community services.

He added: “The facilities that the newly refurbished Crystal Gateway has on offer to meet the needs of people with dementia in a very personalised way are fantastic.

“I am extremely proud that here in Dudley we are leading the way nationally in terms of dementia provision.”