People were today being put through the ageing process to celebrate the first birthday of the Swindon Intermediate Care Centre.

SwICC opened last December to cater for patients with complex rehabilitation needs.

One of the unusual activities on offer at the open day, which runs from 10am to 4pm, is instant ageing.

Using items such as special glasses and gloves the instant ageing aims to give a unique experience of what it is like to have impaired vision, limited mobility and difficulty in picking up objects.

The day also offers the chance to see the specially adapted kitchen where people relearn skills in preparation for living at home.

Former patients and their families, carers and health professionals were among the guests.

And Swindon Mayor Derek Benfield and his wife Pam also had special reason to celebrate. The mayoress experienced the centre's care at first hand after she was admitted following a minor stroke.

The £6m centre, on the site of the Great Western Hospital, is run by Swindon Primary Care Trust.

Ann Nash, the PCT director of modernisation and partnership, said: "It gives everyone the chance to see one of the country's first custom-built intermediate care centres and take part in a host of fun activities."

For more information call the PCT on 01793 708700.