Salisbury's newest city councillor has praised the "great work" of a day centre.

Councillor Chris Taylor, who was co-opted on Monday, November 4, visited the Jo Benson Day Centre in St Paul's ward.

The centre supports adults aged 18 and over in the Salisbury area who have physical disabilities.

Cllr Taylor said: "Great work is being done by this day centre, particularly the opportunity to offer respite to hard-pressed carers in order to give them a ‘day off’ from time to time."

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Cllr Chris Taylor praised the work of the Jo Benson Day Centre (Image: Cllr Chris Taylor) The centre was set up by former Wiltshire councillor Lady Benson during her time as city mayor in 1970.

Centre manager Mandy Atkins said: "We aim to build a level of trust by understanding everyone's communication needs, giving no false promises, respecting confidentiality and offering advice or signposting to appropriate external agencies.

"We offer respite care, social activities, craft activities - card and jewellery making, painting, gardening, pottery, flower arranging, photography and more."

The centre is self-funded and takes people referred by Wiltshire Council and others.

However, in recent years its has been operating under capacity and would be delighted to take on more members.

Michael Bowyer MBE, chairman of the board of trustees, said: "The day centre provides a valuable service to the community.

"The staff provide a happy and caring environment."