After half a year of planning and construction work, a new hub for over-50s is set to open its doors for the first time.

The Acorn Centre, in Regent Street, will be officially unveiled next Monday by Lady Joyce Hopwood, a campaigner for older people.

Age Concern Great Yarmouth has spearheaded the project, based in a former Poundstrecther store in the town centre.

Jackie Tierney, services manager, said: 'With the help of fundraisers, the community, staff and volunteers, work has been completed on phase one of the project which means we can open our doors.

'It will be the place to come and meet new friends or catch up with old ones. It will also be the home of Age Concern Great Yarmouth where staff and volunteers will be on hand to offer information and support. I am absolutely thrilled that we have completed phase one. We have raised over £65,000 to completed this and we are well on target for phase two to start.' The second phase will include offices, training/meeting rooms for charity staff as well as other organisations to use.

She added: 'Part of the money needed for phase two will come from three staff and a very brave volunteer who all will be climbing Ben Nevis in May. Once again my thanks to everyone who has helped us achieve this vision for the older people of Great Yarmouth.'

During the first week of opening, on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday the morning sessions will be free sessions for people try out some of the activities on offer.

Among the scheduled program of activities will include on Monday 'Mens Mardle' and over-50's social group, Tuesday afternoon will be 'eyes down for bingo', Wednesday will be drop-in day and Scottish dancing and in the afternoons there will be 'New Age Kurling', Friday will be seated-exercise in the morning and Fish and Chips Friday in the afternoon.

The cost per session will be £2 including tea/coffee and biscuits. Some sessions such as seated exercise, bingo and Fish and Chips Friday will cost a little more.

A full program will be available at the opening event.

Mrs Tierney added that for those that cannot make the opening event staff and volunteers will be around all week to give out programs and information.

The centre will be open weekdays: Mon-Fri offering two daily sessions 10am until noon and 1pm until 3pm. Available everyday will be pool, darts, table top games, cards, puzzles table tennis and much more.

If anyone would like to sponsor the centre please contact Mrs Tierney on 01493 262052.