PARENTS and carers in a village have seen their ideas come to fruition with the opening of a £400,000 centre for youngsters.

Burnhope Sure Start Children's Centre, on the site of Burnhope Primary School, was launched on Saturday.

Families joined in fun activities, including a children's entertainer, messy play, stories, rhymes and face-painting.

Vice-chairman of Durham County Council, Councillor Len O'Donnell opened the centre.

He said: "The centre is already providing wonderful opportunities for both young children and their families and will blossom to become an even more important part of community life.

"I'm delighted to officially open what is a superb facility and hope that families with young children will come along and see what is on offer."

Sure Start County Durham children's centre staff and representatives from other organisations were present to provide information about services.

They include support and parental outreach, with access to specialist services and important information.

There is early-years education, with daycare for babies and children until they reach school age.

Child and family health services, including ante-natal and post-natal support and help to stop smoking, are on offer.

Experts can provide support for parents of children with special needs and specialist services for youngsters with disabilities.

The centre has links with Jobcentre Plus to support parents considering training and employment and it can be used as a base for childminders and a community hub for parents and childcare providers.

As well as health promotion, speech and language services, families can take part in activities, events and drop-in sessions and use toy and book libraries.

The children's centre also has links to the Children's Information Services, other daycare provision, out-of-school clubs and local training.

Councillor Claire Vasey, the council's cabinet member for children and young people's services, said: "Sure Start helps ensure that children's potential is unlocked at the earliest opportunity by providing access to quality integrated care and early-years education.

"Families in Burnhope can now access a range of services, from flexible and affordable childcare to education and employment as well as health and wellbeing advice.

"I'm sure the centre will help give young families in Burnhope the best start in life."