December 29, 2000 15:12: THREE mental health charities which have served their local communities for more than 30 years have started the new year as one organisation.

The Stepping Stones Club, Beckenham Mind, and Orpington Mind formed Bromley Mind on January 1.

The centres will continue to provide a range of services, but the combined experience of the three groups will provide a new borough-wide service.

Bromley Minds new chief executive, Sandi Lowing, said: Our first task is to ensure people who currently use our service receive the very best we can give.