Families in Calne have bid farewell to a charity worker who has helped to transform their lives over the past few years.

Barnardo’s team leader Katie Skuse has worked at the charity’s SureStart Children’s Centre, in Prince Charles Drive, for six years.

Now she is leaving for a new post, having played a leading role in the success of the centre since it first opened.

Mrs Skuse, 31, is leaving to help manage similar projects in the Forest of Dean.

On Friday, staff, volunteers and parents organised a farewell brunch on her final day.

She was presented with flowers, gifts and messages of thanks in recognition of her positive impact on so many families.

Mrs Skuse said: “I’m excited by what the future holds but also sad to be leaving Calne. It’s been a big part of my working life and will always have a place in my heart.

“I can remember when this was just an empty building but it’s now a major part of the local community, making contact with almost 800 children and providing a space for parents to receive free and non-judgmental support.”

Mrs Skuse joined Barnardo’s in 2006 as a part-time family support worker and nursery nurse based in Redland, Chippenham, and supported the charity’s Jigsaw service, which used to be based in Calne town centre.

She was a full-time local services co-ordinator by the time the Calne centre was opened in 2008 and became team leader in 2010.

The centre has meeting rooms, a sensory room and a large play area and garden.

Last year it became the first children’s centre in Wiltshire to be awarded ‘Investors in Families’ status.

Barnardo’s children’s services manager Liz James said: “We’re very sad to be saying goodbye to Katie but we are so grateful for everything that she achieved over the past few years.”