A well-used head trauma charity based in Folkestone have moved premises this week for 'essential health and safety' reasons.

Headway have relocated to share with the charity Age UK at their new venue in Shaftesbury Avenue, Cheriton.

The team opened their new centre yesterday (Tuesday, June 26) after a two year search to help assist their growing needs.

Paula Brown, day centre manager at Headway Folkestone, said: "Headway has been looking for more suitable premises for the clients as they have outgrown their present day centre in Pleydell Gardens.

"Being based in the town centre for so many years had many advantages and has been a very good place to be.

"Our client base increased and we needed to find somewhere that we did not have to have a portable ramp to allow wheelchairs to enter and exit the building.

"We just needed more space in general since our regular client attendance at the centre is 40 people, but they don't all attend each day or even more than one day."

Cars have struggled previously to get past the ramp which was put out for people who come in on wheelchairs to get in and out of the centre.

She continued: "Headway will miss being able to easily access The Leas for a stroll and fundraising and raising awareness in the town centre but the move is essential for health and safety reasons too.

"We have been fortunate all the years at Headway to be supported by our landlord and again will be sorry to move on for that reason too.

"We were approached by Age UK some time ago with a view to sharing premises at Cheriton and now finally we are ready to move in.

"We are really looking forward to working in partnership with them and see this as a really positive thing for both groups of clients.

"Our clients are excited, if a little nervous, but they have been so looking forward to taking up new activities and joining in with the community in the area."

Age UK will occupy the lower half of what was The Audrey Fletcher centre and Headway will have the upstairs.

Headway East Kent thanked the public for their fundraising donations over the years, saying it has enabled them to make the important move.