AGE Concern Hampshire has been appointed to run two day centres by Hampshire County Council.

On Friday May 1, the authority awarded the charity contracts to provide activities at the day centres in Alresford and Swanmore.

The cost of the Alresford contract for day services was £48,904 while the Swanmore contract was £79,935.

The day centres are designed to offer services that make it easier for elderly and vulnerable residents to keep living in their own homes.

The services include functions, social relationships, and leisure activities Day centres also provide the opportunity for carers to have a break, the county council said.

Gill Duncan, the authority’s director of adult services, said: “These two centres provide an invaluable service for older people with dementia and older people with physical needs, who are assessed as meeting the eligibility criteria. “Both day centres are situated in rural locations, with limited alternative services.

“In addition, the day services provide valuable breaks for carers. Without this service there is a high risk that some current service users would require respite care in a residential home.”