A £2.4m centre for children with behavioural difficulties has opened in Darlington.

The Phoenix Centre, which will provide lessons for up to 50 children who have been excluded from mainstream education, was created by revamping the former Rise Carr Primary School site in Eldon Street.

It now houses the town's pupil referral unit and Education Other Than At School services, which were previously split across three sites.

The former junior and infant schools have been linked, with a new entrance, sports and dining hall, ICT suite, library and outdoor play areas.

There is a common room called The Zone where the pupils aged 11 to 16 can relax.

Maxine Hepple, head of the EPOAS, said: "This is a fantastic facility for these children which will allow us to give them the support and encouragement they need to progress.

"We have life skills room and food technology rooms so we can really help these children learn the skills they need in later life. I want the Phoenix Centre to be at the centre of work with behavioural difficulties.

"We can offer support to teachers in mainstream education and also, for the first time, will be able to offer short-term help to children who can then return to their school.

"The Phoenix Centre has fantastic staff and I want the whole town to be very proud of this facility."

The chairwoman of Darlington Borough Council children and young people scrutiny committee, Coun Cyndi Hughes, said the committee would be seeking to ensure the facilities were made available to the wider public.

"The Phoenix Centre needs to be good a neighbour," she added. "With residents having access, it would break down the barriers. That is essential in making this a success. I'm cautiously positive."

Chris McEwan, cabinet member for children's services, said: "I am delighted that the new centre is opening. Having all of these important services based on one site will allow us to strive to raise standards for pupils across the borough."