Former model Melinda Messenger was in Cricklade on Friday to open the county’s newest children’s centre.

Cricklade Children’s Centre is the latest project to be launched by Barnardo’s South West in partnership with Wiltshire Council.

The project, which is in the grounds of St Sampson’s Infant School in Bath Road will be officially opened by Ms Messenger, a Barnardo’s ambassador.

The single-storey building includes offices, meeting rooms, a creche, kitchen, storeroom and toilets, together with disabled access.

Much of the support will be provided from the centre, but staff will also work in Ashton Keynes, Latton, Leigh and Purton.

The building was opened by Melinds and Barnardo’s children’s services manager Rachel Stewart, who cut a ribbon surrounded by local families.

Children then took part in the Barnardo’s Big Toddle, the charity’s annual half-mile sponsored walk for under-5s, with many of the staff, parents and children dressed as pirates. It was followed by a teddy bears’ picnic.

Miss Stewart said: “We will be listening to the local community to learn what else might be needed. If we can’t provide it ourselves, we can probably signpost people to another organisation which can help.”

For more information on Cricklade Children’s Centre, call (01793) 759187 or email crickladechildrenscentre@barnardos.org.uk.