Help for under fives

11:23am Thursday 20th March 2008

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BARNARDO'S charity launched a £750,000 children's centre in Calne on Saturday.

The idea behind the Sure Start Children's Centre in Prince Charles Drive is to give young people a better start in life.

It will provide links to parenting advice and support, childminding, health services and job opportunities for families with children under five years old.

The centre was opened by Mayor Roy Golding, Barnado's family support worker Katie Sims and Coun Nancy Bryant.

The building is also home to Appletree Nursery, which is linked with the children's centre to provide a "one stop shop" for the community.

The opening follows the success of similar Government-backed centres in Chippenham and Swindon. Other centres in Wootton Bassett and Malmesbury are due to be opened later this year.

Miss Sims said: We had over 100 local families at the opening of the centre which was just fantastic. There was a real buzz about the whole day. We had a mini Olympics which went down extremely well.

"It is so important for the area of Calne.

"The centre will be working with other services in the area such as the NSPCC to give improved opportunities for children.

"It creates a real community feel in the town as well.' "Everyone has been watching the development with growing interest and excitement.

"They recognise the huge impact it will have on their own lives, and the lives of their children by allowing everyone to fulfil their potential.

"We're looking forward to supporting hundreds of families over the coming years."

The centre is free to use for families. Parents may refer themselves or they may be referred by a health visitor or GP.