Services run by a charity supporting elderly people which were under threat of closure have been saved.

Age UK North West Kent will now be taken over by the Age UK Medway branch as it expands.

Last month, service users across Gravesham and Dartford were warned that the charity may have to close after funding from Kent County Council was withdrawn in 2020.

It came after the closure of its day centre in Clarence Row, Gravesham, the previous year.

But Age UK North West Kent chairman of trustees, John Burden, urged staff and clients to remain positive as there were still avenues being pursued to save the organisation.

It has now been revealed, following various meetings, that as of April 1, all services and staff of the branch will be transferred to Age UK Medway.

Group chief executive of the Chatham-based charity, John Norley, said: "This is extremely positive news for the local communities and older people of North West Kent.

"They will be able to continue to access the vital support on which they rely, from the Wellbeing Centre and Dementia Hub in Dartford, to the extremely popular Meal Delivery service, and the essential home support provided by the Independent Living, Footcare, Handyman and Gardening Services.

"It is also positive news for the employees of Age UK North West Kent, as we have been able to retain every position as part of the transfer process.

"The news of this transfer came with good timing, following our recent venture into Gravesend with our takeover of the Clarendon Royal Hotel.

"As a result, those individuals who previously enjoyed social activities and day care at Age UK North West Kent’s Fleming Centre, will now have the opportunity to benefit from similar wellbeing support at the Clarendon, from where our Gravesend-based day care will shortly be launched.

"The main concern for both ourselves and the trustees of North West Kent, in all discussions and decisions, was the older people that Age UK North West Kent supports.

"And so we are all pleased with this outcome, in the knowledge that customers will not lose out on the services they desperately need in order to maintain their independence and quality of life."

For more information and details about the ongoing transition of services, and the Clarendon Royal Community, click here.

Over the next few weeks, the services available to those living in the Medway towns and North Kent will be added to the Our Services section on Age UK Medway’s website.

The meal delivery service previously run from the Fleming Centre will soon be run from the Clarendon Royal Community.