THE Open Door Centre launched its first Friday Cafe yesterday morning in Gorse Hill.

The charity, based in St Barnabas Church Hall in Ferndale Road, supports around 150 adults with learning disabilities, with around 40 people visiting the centre every day.

Now, every Friday from 9.30am to 1.30pm, members of the public can enjoy a cup of tea for £1.20, a piece of cake from £1.50 or even sandwiches and jacket potatoes for as little as £2.50 while finding out more about what the charity does in the community.

Mike Smith, a volunteer trustee of the charity, said: “It’s been a difficult time in the past few months securing funding, so we’ve started holding the cafe on Friday mornings to try and raise some more funds..

“It’s also a good opportunity for people to drop in and see what we are doing.

“It’s also good for the learners – they always like having visitors to the centre.”

Open Door Centre is open every Monday through Thursday from 9.30am to 4pm, and on Fridays from 9.30am to 2pm.

The charity is always desperate for volunteers who can lend a hand and boost its team of seven members of staff.

For more information about the Open Door Centre and to find out how you can get involved, call 01793 512357, email theopendoor@ btconnect.com, or visit www.theopendoor.co.uk.