The new Children’s Centre in Pewsey, next door to the village junior school, was officially opened on Saturday by Devizes MP Claire Perry.

The Children’s Centre has been running since April 2007 from the River Street offices of Voluntary Action Kennet and moved into the purpose built premises it shares with Puddleducks Nursery and Pre-school in November.

The MP was invited along on Saturday to carry out the official opening and she roped in some of the children who use the centre to help her cut the tape.

The centre’s services co-ordinator, Nina Fishlock, said: “It’s wonderful that we are now in a purpose built building with great facilities for families to enjoy.”

Puddleducks formerly rented premises at the leisure centre in Wilcot Road and was instrumental in raising funding for the new children’s centre building through a Wiltshire Council early years grant and a grant from Big Lottery Awards 4 All. The Co-operative Community Fund gave money towards furniture and equipment.

Puddleducks is able to provide full day care for children under five from Monday to Friday.

The Children’s Centre has a team of six who work across the area with more than 530 families with children below school age.

The team is managed by Ali Perry with Nina Fishlock, outreach workers Val Cragg and Melanie Cooper and play and support workers Emma Gilford and Louise Oliver.

Ms Fishlock said: “We have a number of volunteers that do a great job for us, supporting us with groups and at activities. At the centre families can come to a variety of activities, including baby massage, a breastfeeding support group, messy play and at least three times a week a drop in play session in our fully equipped play and activity room.”

Also on three days a week the centre’s workers provide outreach activities in surrounding villages.