North Norfolk has taken another step towards supporting the elderly people in their community as Norman Lamb visited a new cafe to support elderly people and those with complec needs.

Mr Lamb visited the Mundesley cafe last week, named Open Doors, and met a number of the cafe's customers as well as officially opening the venue.

The café was initiated by Eleanor Jones, Wendy Fredericks, and other members of the Mundesley Parish church supported by the Reverend Andrew Jones.

Their vision for a community café came early in 2017 when they noticed the need for support and friendships amongst the local community's older generations, and for social environments which were inclusive for those with additional needs.

Mrs Jones said: 'There have been many times when it has been easier to stay at home, but the more times I have done this the more confidence I lost. I am sure many people feel this way but don't know where to start. We hope that the Open Door café has created a place for everyone, somewhere that cares for carers and those who are cared for. A safe space where no one is judged and everyone is valued as part of our wonderful community.'

Mrs Jones and Revd. Andrew Jones, whose daughter has multiple learning difficulties, have personally experienced the complications carers can face taking their loved ones to public and social places.

Mr Lamb said: 'It's really inspiring to see members of the community creating dementia and complex need-friendly spaces, especially considering the high levels of social isolation that conditions like dementia can lead to. Open Door is a fantastic initiative which I am proud to have opened. I hope it flourishes.'

The café was made possible through fundraising on the part of many local businesses and charities, including The Friends of Mundesley Inshore Lifeboat, Mundesley Fish and Fry, Affinity Digital Agents, Trunch Village Store, Aviva and TESCO, amongst others.

The café hopes to host outside agencies like Age UK in the future to provide wider assistance to those attending the café.