A DOMESTIC abuse charity marked its 20th anniversary this week.

Northumberland Domestic Abuse Service (NDAS) celebrated its anniversary at Wheelbirks Ice Cream Parlour, Stocksfield, on June 28.

Diana Barkes, the High Sheriff of Northumberland, gave the opening speech. 

The reception was the second in a week of celebrations marking the Northumberland charity's milestone. 

Northumbria Police and crime commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “I wish we didn’t need services like this but Northumberland is incredibly lucky to have NDAS. I know that over 400 people have been helped by them in the last financial year alone, which highlights the scale of the problem and how crucial the work they do is.

“It’s important to me that on this anniversary we not only recognise that fantastic work and the people that make it happen, but we also celebrate the bravery of every single victim who has been helped, who took that vital step in reaching out for support.

"I know many survivors would credit NDAS with saving their life and have gone on to live happy, healthy lives and I offer sincere thanks to the wonderful NDAS team on behalf of them all.”

Celebrations will conclude with a six-mile sponsored walk on July 1 organised by the Freedom Warriors, a group of women who met on the Freedom Programme.