A NEW £1million day centre for people with learning disabilties has been opened at Edenbridge Drive, Sheerness, by actor and singer Michael Crawford. It brings together a number of organisations to create a community day centre for 65 people and offers access to therapy, employment opportunities, adult education and health services.

Peter Gilroy, director of KCC social services, said: "This is probably one of the best centres in the county. We hope parents and carers are pleased to see the level of commitment and investment on the island.

"The secret of its success has been the way in which the whole community has helped to develop it." The centre has been given beacon status, which means it has set a standard other areas should be looking to follow.

The building has been named The Crawford Centre Michael Crawford, who grew up on Sheppey. He came to Sheerness to open it after he was sent an invitation by one of the centre's users, Gary Partington.

After unveiling a plaque commemorating his visit, Mr Crawford said he was "chuffed" the centre had been named after him. He told the Sheerness Times Guardian, said: "I had no idea what to expect. I didn't think it was as large a facility as it is. What hit me was this family feel about it."

He chatted with centre users and staff, signing autographs and copies of his autobiography, Parcel Arrived Safely: Tied With String.

One of the centre's users, Gary Clifton, said a big thank you to the star on behalf of everyone at the centre. He added: "We feel honoured for you to be here. We know you are a very busy man and we appreciate you taking the time to open our centre."