A new extension at Canal House, Brentford has made it "exactly the kind of centre we need" for people with mental health needs.

This is the view of the Mayor of Hounslow Coun Felicity Barwood, who attended a ceremony to mark the completion of the project at the day care centre in London Road.

The facilities mean that services can now be expanded to put on activities such as keep fit classes and events like open days and special celebrations.

New ramps and a disabled toilet open up scope to provide services for disabled people and a new kitchen will be used to provide out-of-hour and weekend service from the same place.

People who use Canal House were also involved in planning and deciding what colour scheme and furniture would work best in the extension.

Clement Smith, manager of Canal House, said: "We pride ourselves on providing a holistic and stimulating environment at Canal House to create a feel good factor in our users, which is key to good mental health.

"We are all delighted the extension is completed and look forward to using it."

Canal House offers a stigma-free environment for people to come and the recent modernisation has brought it in line with the borough's mental health strategy.

Coun Pamela Fisher, lead member for adult social services and health, who also attended the ceremony, joined Coun Barwood in praising the centre.

She said: "The completion of this ambitious extension project at Canal House enhances its ability to provide a range of services that meets the needs of users and an even better environment for people to come and feel at ease.

"One of the council's key objectives in the Hounslow Plan 2006-2010 is to improve services for people with mental health needs and this is a big step to achieving that objective.

"I thank all of those who have been involved."