Praise for the refurbished Canterbury Women’s Refuge came from MP Julian Brazier when he toured the building.

The centre now consists of 12 self-contained units for families escaping domestic abuse, each one comprising a bedroom, kitchenette, bathroom and living area.

Before the upgrade, the refuge’s residents had to share many of the facilities.

Canterbury and Whitstable MP Mr Brazier was taken on a tour by project manager Janet Thomas.

She said: “The new refuge really is amazing, it is such an improvement and allows the families much more private space.

“But we still have some communal areas where the families and can gather and interact plus we have the nursery.”

The refuge is asking for cash or supermarket voucher donations for its Christmas party. Anyone able to help or who needs advice on domestic abuse can call 01227 451238.