A new state of the art autism and learning disabilities centre has opened in Sidcup.

Bexley Council have spent £1.4million building the new Carlton Resource Centre which opened on Wednesday to mark World Autism Day.

The previous building on the site was called Hoblands and the previous building has now been demolished to make way for the new centre.

Staff from charity mcch, which helps people all over the south east of England, are running the centre which has another one in Belvedere.

Karen Mitchell, marketing manager for mcch, told News Shopper: "This is a great new day centre for people with special needs and learning disabilities in Bexley.

"People with learning difficulties deserve the best and this is a high quality centre.

"The old centre was outdated and in need of renewal.

"It is state of the art because there is a special care unit with ceiling hoists which will give people in wheelchairs who can't move easily more opportunities than they have ever had before.

"We also have a DIY room, a new computer suite, a sensory room which is being refurbished and a kitchen for people to learn how to cook.

"Lots of our activities are out in the community as well as we do activities like swimming, do art and craft activities and gardening projects."

People need to be referred through Bexley Social Services to access the centre.

Peter Thompson, chief executive mcch, added: "We are so delighted with the new Carlton Resource Centre and were so pleased to be opening the centre on World Autism Day.

"The people we support at mcch can benefit from truly personalised sessions thanks to the new facilities.

"The centre includes a soundproof music room and dedicated rooms for arts and computer training.

"Whilst we provide most of the sessions in the community, people with learning disabilities and autism are now able to come and learn skills within a supportive and inspirational building."