TWO toddlers became VIPs for the day when they officially opened a new £550,000 Sure Start centre.

Three-year-old James Kinghorn and Sophie Lawther, two, who had rainbow-painted faces, cut a ribbon to officially open Sure Start Redcar Coast and Dormanstown's new centre, off Kirkleatham Street, Redcar.

It is the third new facility to be opened in Sure Start's Redcar Coast and Dormanstown area, and has two well-equipped children's rooms, a creche for up to 30 children, plus consulting and training rooms and an outdoor children's play area.

Sure Start programme manager Frances White said: "This is a very proud day for everyone connected with the centre.

"We're delighted local families will have the opportunity to access the facilities on offer and celebrate the beginning of something very special."

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's cabinet member responsible for children's services, Councillor Valerie Halton, said: "These superb facilities will help us to achieve our aim of improving health, education and childcare. I am delighted that we are working with parents to enhance the life-chances of our children."

The launch included rainbow-coloured activities in craft-making, balloon modelling and face-painting.