A former medical centre in Oulton will get a new lease of life as it transforms into a day care for adults with special needs and learning difficulties.

The Otium Centre, in Meadow Road, plans to open its doors by the beginning of August.

Carol Johnson, owner of The Otium Centre, said: 'When you believe in what you do and you have a passion for something you have to act on it.

'We decided to take the bull by the horns and open the day care centre.'

Mrs Johnson, who will run the centre with her husband Ivan and brother Clive Morris wants to transform the current public perception of the building.

Former occupiers Oulton Medical Centre were closed down by the Care Quality Commission in October 2015 after serious concerns were raised about the service and the risk it presented to the patients.

She said: 'We are aware of the circumstances and aim to give it a new lease of life with this venture.'

With two daughters in their 30s with cerebral palsy and previous experience managing a centre for the disabled in Huddersfield Mrs Johnson is confident they will provide the best care for those in need.

'We are coming at this from a parental point of view as well as professional. If it's good enough for my girls it's good enough for everyone else's', said Mrs Johnson.

She added: 'It's very important to us that all our members not only have a fun time, but they also learn valuable life skills to help them with everyday life.

'Our aim is to provide the tools necessary for all members to achieve their full potential in a safe environment.'

The centre offers a wide range of activities, including a cinema area, performance stage and archery - Mr Johnson is a qualified archery instructor.

A fully equipped sensory room complete with a trampoline for rebound therapy and a hot tub for hydrotherapy are on also site.

An open day for the local community is being put together a few weeks after opening.

To find out more about services and volunteering opportunities visit : www.theotiumcentre.co.uk.