A £1m centre for parents and children is already playing an important part in the community, Prime Minister and Sedgefield MP Tony Blair was told when he visited Darlington yesterday.

The SureStart facility, which aims to give children aged up to four the best possible start in life, was opened by Mr Blair, flanked by his wife, Cherie, and Darlington MP Alan Milburn.

The Government-funded centre, which incorporates a nursery, will give help and advice to parents about family health, encourage children to learn and be a source of advice and information.

Mr and Mrs Blair visited the Kids and Co Nursery and Mrs Blair enlisted two helpers to make a glittery Christmas card, which she presented to her husband.

The couple and Mr Milburn then listened to the children singing carols.

Mrs Blair met mothers of newborn babies who were learning about the benefits of breastfeeding.

Mr Blair and Mr Milburn chatted to parents about the centre's work and how it had been serving the community since it opened in October.

Mr Milburn said: "The work that is being done is absolutely fantastic and making a huge difference.

"It is great to see it working so well in Darlington and it is a huge privilege Tony and Cherie coming today.

"They are pretty busy, all in all, and it is great they have found time in their hectic schedule."

Mr Blair said: "More than 400,000 people are served by SureStart programmes.

"The time before school and help with parents is hugely important, and as parents we know it is the most difficult job you ever do.

"This is a wonderful facility and I heard some lovely carol singing from the kids earlier.

"It is good when you come and see the investment that has gone in and the pride they have taken, and the staff who have worked hard."

Later, Mrs Blair opened an outreach centre for domestic violence in Newton Aycliffe. The centre has been provided for victims of domestic violence to get advice about their predicament, and chat to other victims to gain mutual support.

In the Sedgefield police division annually there are about 1,600 reported victims of domestic violence, most of them women.

A separate support facility for male victims has been made available through Victim Support in Newton Aycliffe.