Twins Max and Thea Hopkins cut the tape to open the county’s latest children’s centre at the weekend.

They performed the ceremony at an open day and teddy bears’ picnic at the centre in Byron Avenue, Wootton Bassett, on Saturday.

The six-year-olds are pupils at Longleaze Primary School which is next to the centre.

The centre, which is managed by Barnardo’s South West on behalf of Wiltshire Council, and funded through the Government’s Sure Start scheme, is expected to support hundreds of families with children under the age of five.

Jacqui Oliver, manager of the Wootton Bassett, Malmesbury and Cricklade centres, described the opening, which was attended by about 100 people, as fantastic.

“Normally we have very important people to cut the ribbon at these kinds of events,” she said.

“But we decided that, as Barnardo’s supports children, we wanted to involve children so we invited pupils from Longleaze School.”

Barnardo’s local services co-ordinator Jane Evans said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming people from the local community.

“We’ll be available to answer their questions, and will be very keen to listen to their own suggestions on what could be provided.

“Working together, we hope to support parents and carers in encouraging their children to fulfil their potential.”

The purpose-built facility includes an office and reception area, large meeting room, sensory room, kitchen, storeroom and toilets.

The centre, which covers Wootton Bassett, Lyneham and surrounding villages, has been operating since May but this was the official opening.

Acting head of Sure Start for Wiltshire Council Gill Hanlan said the centre is the 24th to open in Wiltshire, en route to a target of 30 by March next year.

Among activities at the centre are parenting workshops, ante-natal and first aid classes.