A NEW £750,000 training and employment centre for adults with learning disabilities needs a final cash injection before it opens its doors.

Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley Mencap has been raising funds to launch Peppercorns since 2004.

Refurbishment work began on turning a derelict building in Orchard Street, Dartford, into the centre in November 2004.

The project has received £200,000 from the Lottery and £195,000 from the Learning and Skills Council and the Learning Disability Development fund.

A final £65,000 is now needed to put the finishing touches to the building.

When it opens in December, it will be the only facility in north Kent to provide education, training and employment for people with disabilities, including Down's syndrome and dyslexia.

The building, to be used by the charity's 100 clients and the wider community, will boast computer training, drama classes, a hall for dance and keep-fit sessions and a hair and beauty training salon.

Sam Holman, who has mild learning difficulties and epilepsy, will be one of the first to benefit from the service.

The 29-year-old, of Lullingstone Avenue, Swanley, came to the charity in 2004 and volunteers for Mencap as an administrator.

She said: "The training has already improved my confidence and made me happier in myself.

"My computer skills are better and I can do things at my own pace."

She added: "The centre will improve things for me and others like me as it's hard to jet a job or training when you have a disability. I can't wait to see it open."

Mencap fundraising manager Erica Snow said: "We need the last bit of money need to kit out the salon and find a bit more to go towards staffing costs.

"The centre will be fantastic.

"After training most of the people who come to us will be able to get employment in the community."

She added: "We need all of the help we can get, even the smallest of amounts will help us get the centre finished in time."

If you can help Mencap, call Miss Snow on 01322 281833.